A man who has managed to kick his heroin addiction since he was caught trafficking the drug to sustain his habit 14 years ago was this morning jailed for six months.

Sandro Spiteri, 37, of Zejtun, was found guilty of trafficking and possessing heroin in August 2000 and of committing the crime which on bail over another case in 1999.

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

During questioning, the accused admitted to selling drugs to sustain his habit.

He told police he had been abusing drugs for the four years before his arrest and had been selling drugs for two months before August 2000.

Handing down judgment, Magistrate Galea Sciberras noted that although Mr Spiteri had since managed to kick his habit and has found a stable job, he still had to shoulder responsibility of drug trafficking, even though it was 14 years ago.

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

She sentenced him to six months in jail and fined him €650.

Superintendent Carmelo Bartolo prosecuted.