In a fit of despair, a pregnant woman tried to abort the baby she was carrying but immediately realised the mistake, rushed to St Luke's Hospital and the child was saved.

The woman is now raising the baby as a single mother, assisted by her brother, Magistrate Saviour Demicoli heard.

The woman, who cannot be named by court order, pleaded guilty to charges of trying to cause an abortion on herself. She again pleaded guilty when warned by the court about the consequences of her admission.

Given her admission and the circumstances of the case, the court discharged the woman on condition she does not commit another crime within three years.

Police Inspector Louise Calleja, prosecuting, said this was a very unfortunate case. She said the woman, who had cooperated fully with the police and had a clean criminal record, was driven to despair by "domestic and personal" problems.

Lawyer Josè Herrera was defence counsel.