A Nigerian refugee was handed a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to having in his possession a fake Italian residence permit.

Stanley Ovbiowe, 35, who was seen in tears outside the courtroom, briefly travelled to Malta to visit some friends.

Prosecuting officer Darren Buhagiar told the court that the accused was arrested yesterday at the airport when he tried to leave Malta for his home in Bari, Italy.

The accused immediately cooperated with the police. Despite having refugee status and living in Bari, he was currently awaiting the renewal of his Italian residence card which had expired. In the meantime, he met someone in Naples who handed him a fake permit in exchange for a mobile phone.

Magistrate Charmaine Galea took into consideration his refugee status and the fact that he was awaiting the renewal of his residence permit and sentenced him to one year imprisonment suspended for three years.

The accused will be returned to Bari.

Lawyer Noel Bianco appeared for the accused.

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