An accountant-in-training who swapped ledgers for cocaine and heroin has been spared jail time, on the condition he starts drug rehabilitation first thing next week. 

30-year-old Naxxar resident Andrew Depasquale pleaded guilty to cocaine and heroin possession under circumstances which clearly indicated that the drug was not for his personal use.

Accompanied by his parents seated at the back of the courtroom, the young man listened sheepishly as both the defence and prosecution put in a good word on his behalf.

“This man is an accountant. He can earn money by putting his knowledge into practice,” Inspector Jonathan Ransley said.

Moreover, the man was expected to enter into rehabilitation next Monday, defence lawyer Lennox Vella explained.

“Everyone is trying to help you. Now it’s up to you to do your own part too,” was the advice of presiding magistrate Francesco Depasquale.

In view of the accused’s early guilty plea and all the circumstances of the case, the court declared him guilty and placed him under a 3-year Probation Order.

“This means that now there will be someone watching over you,” the Magistrate explained. “If you don’t go to Caritas on Monday, you will be brought back here on Tuesday and will be sent to jail.”

“You must come out clean!” was the Magistrate’s final word of advice.

Lawyer Marisa Mifsud also assisted as defence counsel.