A Nigerian woman today was handed a suspended sentence after she pleaded guilty to using false documents to get from Italy to Malta by plane.

29-year-old Salametu Idris, a resident in an Open Centre in Trapani, escaped from Sicily using fake passport, identity card and residency permit. She wanted to come to Malta to visit her friends. 

She managed to get into Malta, but on her way back to Italy she was arrested.

Considering that the woman cooperated with the police and admitted to charges early, Magistrate Charmaine Galea handed her a ten-month sentence suspended to two years.

Police Inspector Frankie Sammut explained that the police have made arrangements for Ms Idris to be sent back to Italy.

Patrick Valentino acted as legal aid.