Justice Minister Owen Bonnici lauded a series of amendments to the criminal code which were approved by Parliament, saying that these would make the judicial system more efficient and address a number of lacunae in the law.

Addressing a news conference, Dr Bonnici noted that with a few exceptions these changes were unanimously approved and heaped praise on the Opposition.

He also thanked Franco Debono, the government's consultant on law reform, for his efforts to bring the changes about.

They include:

* The possibility of a court ordering community service for suspended sentences of more than six months;

* Raising the maximum prison sentence (apart from life) from 30 to 40 years;

* Relapsing when committing a crime abroad while on a suspended sentence;

* New crimes related to racial hatred from public officials;

* Making stalking and harassment a crime, even if this is done over the internet;

* Increase penalties for persons guilty of vandalising monuments or public places;

* A new system built on the experience of local tribunals making it possible for a judgment to be given in absentia if the accused does not turn up for no valid reason. This will come into force when the new IT system will be in place to "avoid a miscarriage of justice" and  will only apply in cases which may carry a sentence of not more than six months imprisonment;

* First time-offences which do not carry a fine of more than €200 will not be listed in one's criminal record;

* Amendments regarding the discretion of the Attorney General who has to decide which court has to hear cases related to drugs.