Man tried to sell cannabis to 15-year-old and policeman

A man who tried to sell cannabis to a 15-year-old boy and a policeman during the early hours of this morning was charged in court and remanded in custody.  

Hassam Smaile Mohammed, 24, of Niger, was remanded in custody after being charged with stealing mobile phones, with being in possession of cannabis with the intent of selling it, and with handling stolen property. Standing before Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit, the man – who lives in Msida and has been in Malta for eight years – pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court heard how during the early hours of this morning, the accused approached a 15-year-old boy who was alone on the beach at St George’s Bay in Paceville. The boy testified that the accused offered to sell him two mobile phones and a wristwatch.

Magistrate Zammit heard how the boy turned down the offer and walked away, only for Mohammed to turn back and offer him to sell cannabis. The boy again refused the accused’s offer. A man then approached them and asked to buy cannabis. When the accused was about to hand cannabis to the buyer, the man identified himself as being a policeman.

Meanwhile, the court also heard a young woman testify how on Saturday morning, her mobile phone was stolen at St George’s Beach. She recognised her mobile in court.

Mohammed pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody.

Police Inspector Trevor Micallef prosecuted.