‘Prison is like a guest house brimming with drugs’ – Accused tells court

A Polish man who admitted to charges of attempted theft has today dropped a bombshell in court; describing prison as “a place brimming with drugs,” and as an institution which does not serve as a deterrent to prisoners.

Januariusz Cholaszczynski, 53, of Poland, pleaded guilty to attempted theft. The incident occurred on 4 August, at around 7:15pm when the accused entered into a hotel room at Fortina Hotel after the guests accidentally left their door open. Cholaszczynski was however thwarted after he was caught. 

In March, the accused was remanded in custody after he had pleaded not guilty to theft charges, and was subsequently handed a suspended sentence after being found guilty of the charges.

Standing before presiding Magistrate Aaron Bugeja, the Polish man – who denied legal aid – told the court that Corradino Correctional Facility “does not serve as a deterrent to prisoners, and that he would experience no change in prison.”

“Prison is filled with around 700 people, 90% of whom are abusing of drugs, and inside you can find everything. Prison does not serve as a deterrent to any prisoners. I will experience no change in prison.”

Pleading with the court not to send him to prison, the Polish man also told court that he cannot speak to anyone in prison, and compared prison to a guest house where prisoners are offered a menu and a choice of food.

Speaking in fluent Italian, Cholaszczynski told the court that the best punishment for him would be deportation to Italy.

This plea was however dismissed by the court who argued that due to EU laws, the accused cannot be deported back to Italy. Moreover, the court insisted that it cannot give the accused another prison sentence.

Despite his guilty plea, the court suspended the sentencing until 13th August.

Inspector Jonathan Ransley prosecuted.