A man who consistently failed drug tests carried out by his probation officer has been fined €3,000 after he admitted to being in possession of cannabis.

Roderick Grech, 24, from Bahar ic-Caghaq, pleaded guilty to cannabis possession in the afternoon on January 29. He also admitted to driving a car bearing foreign registration plates without a licence or insurance cover. 

Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras heard his probation officer explain how Mr Grech would infrequently attend appointments and always tested positive to cannabis.

The last time he was tested was last month. The officer, who will continue following Mr Grech until 2018, said Mr Grech was doing his utmost to find a job. 

The magistrate also heard how Mr Grech had been given a suspended jail term last March for his involvement in aggravated theft. Despite this judgment, which was confirmed on appeal, the prosecution withdrew the relapsing charge. 

After taking into consideration his early guilty plea, the magistrate fined him €3,000 and disqualified him from driving for a year.

Police Inspector Sarah Magri prosecuted.