A man who has kicked his heroin addiction since he was caught trafficking the drug 14 years ago was yesterday jailed for six months.

Sandro Spiteri, 37, of Żejtun, was found guilty of trafficking and possessing heroin in August 2000 and of committing the crime while on bail for a case the preceding year.

Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras heard the accused was arrested following a tip-off that he was involved in the theft of car stereos.

During questioning, the accused admitted selling drugs to sustain his own habit. He told police he had been abusing drugs for the four years before his arrest and had been selling drugs for two months.

Handing down judgment, Magistrate Galea Sciberras noted that although Mr Spiteri was now clean and had a stable job, he still had to shoulder responsibility for trafficking heroin 14 years ago. He was also fined €650.

In 2009, Mr Spiteri served time for drug trafficking in November 2001, the court heard.

Superintendent Carmelo Bartolo prosecuted.