Recaptured escapee Joseph Cini, known also as Il-Pele, has been jailed for five months for breaching bail conditions while his girlfriend was jailed for three months for harbouring him.

Mr Cini had escaped from Mater Dei Hospital in August after he was taken there from prison – where he had been remanded in custody – complaining of chest pains.

He made his bid for freedom after he was left unattended when he asked to go the toilet. He was caught about 24 hours later, following a rooftop chase in Sta Venera.

He was found guilty of breaching bail after failing to sign the bail book in a separate case. His girlfriend, Alexandra Dalmas, 43, of Rabat was jailed after she was found guilty of harbouring him. She is expected to appeal the decision even though she has already served the full term while on remand during the proceedings.

Police Inspector Anthony Portelli prosecuted.

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