Two men found in a restricted zone beneath the Parliament building were handed a five-month prison term by a court, which also recommended tighter security measures to prevent further cases of unauthorised intrusion.

On August 16, Eman Zammit, 36, and Clayton Fava, 28, both unemployed from Żabbar, had been found in the area previously known as the Yellow Garage. They had claimed that they were taking shelter from the rain.  It transpired during court proceedings later that both had gained access to this restricted area by jumping over a gate. 

Both men, who are well known to the police, were last week charged with the attempted theft of tools, gaining access to a public building without the necessary permits and relapsing.

The court recommended that the tunnel entrance at the ditch should be sealed with a gate and partly covered in wire mesh to allow sufficient ventilation.  It also called for the installation of a separate gate to control access from a narrow tunnel which leads to the City Gate ditch, until the completion of works on a lift, which would link the ditch to the capital’s entrance.

The court also suggested the installation of security cameras in certain areas not currently being monitored by CCTV, including the tunnel and the ditch.

In addition, security should be beefed up by a stronger police presence when Parliament is in session or in case of any other activity in the whereabouts. The court also called for a regular risk assessment exercise and the installation of a guard tour system to keep record of the police patrols.

However, the court also remarked that the case of the two intruders might have fuelled unnecessary alarm, as none of the accused were found carrying items which suggested they intended to damage the building. It pointed out that the accused were only carrying a mobile phone and less than €10 in cash. As a result they were not found guilty of attempted theft.

In his judgment, Magistrate Joseph Mifsud said he had no other option but to put both men behind bars. The court noted that Mr Zammit alone had already faced charges on 15 cases, whereas Mr Fava had been arraigned on another eight cases.

In view of this the court noted that the only possible punishment it could inflict was imprisonment, but said it would give them the opportunity to treat their drug addiction.

“While their drug suppliers might be opening new bank accounts, if the accused do not reform themselves they would be staring at their own grave," the court said. In view of this they were placed under a supervision order of four years.

The court also ordered that a copy of the sentence be sent to the Speaker of the House of Representatives.