A Sudanese refugee who paid €850 to leave the island was yesterday given a suspended jail term while the man who allegedly helped him was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty.

Ismael Abubaker, 32, admitted to paying the sum of money to the other man, Hassan Juma Saleh, 40, in order to leave the island. However, Mr Hassan allegedly took the money and disappeared in May leaving him high and dry. Police Inspector Edel Mary Camilleri said Mr Abubaker had fully cooperated with the police during their investigations but knew that what he was doing was illegal.

Magistrate Edwina Grima handed down a six-month jail term suspended a year and remanded Mr Hassan in custody.

Lawyer Mark Busuttil appeared for the men.

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