Suspended sentence, €1,000 fine for Sicilian pot smoker

A Sicilian man has been fined and handed a suspended sentence after he admitted to importing a small amount of cannabis grass into Malta for his own use.

47-year-old Antonio Andolfo from Catania, appeared before magistrate Francesco Depasquale this morning, accused of possession of cannabis and with importing the drug. He was also charged with recidivism, having been convicted of transporting a stolen BMW into Malta in 2013 – a conviction confirmed on appeal a year later.

Andolfo, who said he worked and lived in Malta, admitted to the charges, saying the drugs were solely for his personal use. Police Inspector Gabriel Micallef told the court that this version of events was consistent with the small amount of cannabis found and from the accused's initial statement to police.

The court asked the accused a second time whether he wished to confirm his admission. Andolfo shrugged and said he did.

The court handed down a sentence of imprisonment for one year, suspended for four years, together with a fine of €1000 to be paid over 10 months.

The court ordered the confiscation and destruction of the drugs.

Lawyer Yana Micallef Stafrace appeared for the accused.