A drug dealer who sold heroin from his green Volkswagen Polo in Fra Djegu Square in Ħamrun eight years ago was yesterday jailed for a year and fined €1,500.

Alan Vella of Ħamrun, also known as Is-Sicu, who was 20 at the time, was caught red-handed in his garage with another man, Christopher Milton, with drug paraphernalia but claimed he was sharing the drugs with his friend.

Three witnesses, Stephanie Cauchi, Mr Milton and Joseph Zammit, all testified that they had bought drugs from Mr Vella who used to make the rounds in the square.

He could be easily recognised by the colour of his car and the number plate SIC 007.

Taking the witness stand, Mr Vella said that he began taking drugs after mixing with the wrong crowd. On the day he was arrested, he was sharing drugs with his friend Mr Milton who sometimes did not have enough for himself.

He added that he has now changed his life and turned over a new leaf although being in prison. He is currently serving a prison term on other drug-related charges.

The Prison Director, Police Superintendent Abraham Zammit, testified that Mr Vella was an exemplary prisoner while the secretary of Paola local council described him as a good worker.

Superintendent Zammit said that Mr Vella was currently in a pilot project on parole and was working outside of the prison compound. Even though they carried out spot-checks he was always at work and doing a good job.

Magistrate Quintano took their testimony into consideration before handing down a further jail term.

Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Harrison prosecuted.