A Libyan who was caught trying to smuggle out of Malta 157 songbirds crammed in three small cages was given a suspended sentence yesterday.

Ben Salem Mohamed Salim, 33, pleaded guilty to animal cruelty after he was caught with the songbirds early yesterday morning. He intended to sell them in Libya. The birds, which are not protected species, were tightly packed in the cages, the court heard yesterday. Three of them died.

Magistrate Myriam Hayman handed down a six-month jail term suspended for one year and fined him €233. She recommended the songbirds be transferred to a place such as Razzett tal-Ħbiberija in Marsascala where they would be cared for.

Police Inspector Alexander Miruzzi prosecuted.

Lawyers José Herrera and Veronique Dalli appeared for Mr Salim.

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