A Panama national was this morning sentenced to 15 months in prison after pleading guity to the charges brought against him.
Appearing before Magistrate Ian Farrugia, Vladimir Omar Fernandez Delgado, born in Panama and currently residing in St Julians, was charged with the possession of cocaine and cannabis. The prosecution explained that the search found that the drug substances were not for his exclusive use.
At first, the 34-year-old man told the magistrate that he was willing to plead guilty for possession but refused the claims of trafficking. When the magistrate heard what the accused had to say, the court called for a short break.
The arraignment continued a couple of minutes later, after the accused was spoken to by the lawyer, Noel Bianco. Asked for the second time if he pleads guilty or not, the accused said he pleads guilty to the charges brought against him.
As the magistrate was handing the sentence, Delgado lifted his arm and asked the court to consider the fact that he needs help as he is a heavy drug user. He told the court that what he needs is a proper drug rehabilitation programme, and not get locked up in a prison cell.
After having the guilty plea confirmed, the Magistrate said that the best way to proceed is to have a letter sent to the prison director at the Corradino Correctional Facility suggesting the man is sent to a rehabilitation programme. He told the accused that the process has to go through the normal channels.
The court sentenced the Panama national to 15 months in prison and ordered him to pay a €750 fine.
Before adjourning, the accused once again lifted his hand and asked permission to speak. He asked if it would be possible for him to take his cat with him in prison. The magistrate replied that he has to get the permission from the prison director.
Inspectors Nicolai Sant and Gabriel Micallef led the prosecution.