A homeless drug addict arrested near the Addolorata Cemetery where he had sought refuge to abuse of drugs, was today jailed for 23 months and fined €2,200 after he admitted trafficking heroin and being in possession of three illegal substances.

Michael Portelli, 34, having no fixed address, was arrested on February 6 and found in possession of heroin, cocaine and cannabis. Criminal proceedings were instituted.

The man had admitted to the police that he would resort to selling heroin to sustain his addiction.

The court, presided over by magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras, observed that the accused had previously been convicted of possession of an unlicensed weapon, theft, fraud as well as drug possession and declared him guilty upon his own admission.

Taking note of the man's drug problem, the court recommended that the director of prisons should provide all necessary treatment for the accused to overcome his addiction.

Inspector Gabriel Micallef prosecuted.