A man was yesterday handed a suspended jail sentence after pleading guilty to smuggling 645 protected birds into Malta from Sicily last month.

Aaron Micallef, 35, from Qrendi, pleaded guilty to bringing in the birds in his Citroen Xsara on October 24. He had 326 hawfinches, one greenfinch, 46 goldfinches, 164 linnets and 108 serins.

The birds were valued at almost €32,000.

Magistrate Antonio Vella heard that Mr Micallef was found in possession of the protected birds on his arrival from Sicily on board the Virtu Ferries’ Jean de la Vallette catamaran at about 11pm. Police and Customs officers swooped in following a tip-off.

He was sentenced to nine months in prison suspended for two years and fined €2,000 for smuggling the birds and a further €600 for evading VAT.

The court also ordered the confiscation of the birds and the car used to smuggle them as well as the suspension of Mr Micallef’s driving licence for two years.

Police Inspector Jurgen Vella prosecuted.

Lawyers Marion Camilleri and Angie Muscat appeared for Mr Micallef.