A 24-year-old Serbian man named Goran Rakic was given a six month imprisonment suspended for two years after he submitted a letter of reference to Jobsplus (formerly known as the Employment and Training Centre) which falsely stated that he had three years’ experience at a sheet metal factory.

When Jobsplus representatives attempted to verify the letter of reference and that he had the three years’ experience, this was found to be untrue.

Prosecuting Inspector Frankie Sammut, who is also the principal immigration officer, did not insist on jail time and that the accused had fully cooperated with the police. Dr Ivan Mifsud, representing the accused, said that Mr Rakic is still young and had made a mistake.

Magistrate Monica Vella, presiding over the case, handed Mr Rakic a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.