Five immigrants residing at the Ħal Far open centre yesterday pleaded guilty to trying to leave the island in a cargo container.

Mohamed Sidi Muktar, 33 from the Ivory Coast, Ibrahim El Nour Edam, 43 and Samba Mohamed Bilal, 22 both from Sudan, Abdul Kader Bouaziz, 38 from Morocco and Osman Sedike Zariga, 38 from Eritrea were charged with attempting to leave the island without the necessary travel documentation.

The court heard how the men had tried to stow away in a container that was destined for Italy.

After pleading guilty, the men asked the court to hear the reasons why they had tried to stow away and for the chance to defend themselves.

Magistrate Miriam Hayman ordered that they be remanded in custody. The case continues.

Police Inspector Clifton Pulis prosecuted. Lawyer Patrick Valentino appeared as legal aid.

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