A man with the word Bomba prominently tattooed across his forehead thanked and saluted the magistrate for sentencing him to a further 18 months in prison for filing a false report claiming he was beaten up by prison warders.

Anthony James, who appeared in court leaning on a crutch, is currently serving a three-year prison sentence. He is the father of Sylvester James, also known as Il-Bomba and who is also in prison.

Charged with calumny and filing a false report, the court heard how Mr James kicked up a scene when he saw his son being led away following an argument in jail. 

Warders grabbed him by the arms and locked him in a room until he calmed down after he behaved aggressively and shouted at the warders not to touch his son.

The court heard how he removed his watch and, using the strap's buckle, proceeded to scratch himself on the arms. He then filed a police report claiming he had been beaten up.

Mr James pleaded guilty, saying he wanted to get the case over and done with to relieve himself from appearing before the court in multiple hearings.

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja warned him that, taking into account the charges and the fact that he was a repeat offender, he could face a maximum sentence of up to four yeas. He said the court wanted to give him the opportunity of withdrawing his guilty admission.

Mr James was advised to seek a lawyer's assistance because he could possibly be found innocent or guilty of a lesser charge.

However, the accused obstinately refused, reiterating he wanted to cut the case short.

The court was left with no choice but to find him guilty of all charges and sent him to 18 months in prison.

Mr James saluted the magistrate as he marched out of the court room.