A Syrian couple who had survived the October 2013 boat tragedy in which scores of people had lost their lives were this morning given a six month jail term suspended for one year, for leaving Malta illegally last January.

Younes Eyad Ali, 36, and Krayem Dania Ali, 34, who pleaded guilty, had lost their three children in the tragedy.

Police Inspector Edel Mary Camilleri said the accused were sent back to Malta from Norway on July 2.

The wife, she said, had wanted to leave Malta because it reminded her of her children.

The inspector said she granted the couple police bail until the arraignment today so as not to cause them further distress. In this case, she said, a suspended jail term should be more than adequate.