A young man who yesterday offered to take a urine test to prove he was drug free, was jailed for six months for breaching bail last month.

Philip Agius, 25, had been granted bail by Magistrate Lawrence Quintano in January 2004 but had failed to comply with bail conditions, especially signing the bail book every day, Police Inspector Josric Mifsud said. In fact, he had failed to turn up to sign the bail book countless times over the past months.

"I can take a urine test. I'll do it right now," Mr Agius said nervously after the inspector explained that it looked like he was reining in his habit.

But Magistrate Silvio Meli would not have any of it. "This is nor the time nor the place for it," he said.

He then asked the accused whether he wanted to plead guilty and Mr Agius shrugged his shoulders, saying he realised he had done something wrong.

The magistrate then turned to legal aid lawyer Renzo Porsella Flores and asked him whether his client understood the consequences of his guilty plea.

Dr Porsella Flores said he informed his client what would happen and Mr Agius wanted to proceed with a guilty plea.