A man jailed for two years and six months for drug trafficking was yesterday acquitted on appeal after the judge found there was no hard evidence against him but only “suspicions”.

Keith Mallia, from Għaxaq, was found guilty of the crime he had allegedly committed in October 1999 but was only sentenced last year – 11 years later – as well as being fined €2,330.

Mr Mallia appealed, arguing that heroin did not feature anywhere in the evidence. Furthermore, he had no legal assistance before his statement was taken and was found guilty on the basis of that statement.

Mr Justice David Scicluna said that from the evidence produced the accused would not actually sell the drug but send people to someone who could sell to them.

The accused was charged with heroin trafficking but heroin was not mentioned in the evidence and neither was there a time frame for when the alleged trafficking took place, the judge highlighted.

He said the case was characterised by “suspicions” and there was no evidence on which the court could find guilt based on the charges.

Lawyer Franco Debono appeared for Mr Mallia.