A 45-year-old businessman today was handed a suspended sentence after he pleaded guilty to submitting false documentation.

Nureddin Mohamed A.Shaibi was charged with making a false declaration, conspiring with another person to commit a crime and making use of false documentation.

To import food items into Malta, authorization is required from the health department. It transpires that in one case, Mr Shaibi did not have such document and instead presented documentation issued in Libya.  After the health authorities informed the police, Mr Shabi was arraigned in court where he pleaded guilty.

Magistrate Anthony Vella handed down a two-year sentence suspended for four years.

Inspector Raymond Aquilina prosecuted.