Two immigrants who were caught in Switzerland after leaving the island illegally were yesterday sent to prison.

Madi Danbely, 25, from Mali and Madu Samake, 30, from the Ivory Coast admitted to leaving the island illegally earlier this year. They were returned to Malta two days ago after being stopped in Switzerland.

Mr Samake was also found guilty of escaping from the Safi detention centre.

Their legal aid lawyer, Yana Micallef Stafrace, asked Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit for suspended jail terms but Police Inspector Mario Haber told the court a clear message had to be sent that crimes of this sort were not to be tolerated.

The magistrate jailed Mr Danbely for three months and Mr Samake for six.

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