A 27-year-old man from Qormi today was found guilty of breaching bail conditions and fined €1,000 while he is awaiting the judgment of a separate appeals case which could see him spend four years behind bars.

The accused, Ryan Briffa, was caught very early this morning in Marsa at 5am, half an hour before his bail conditions allow him to be outside of the home.

Prosecuting inspector Edmond Cuschieri was called this morning by a sergeant where he was informed that Briffa was roaming around Marsa, in breach of his curfew, with people who are known to the police.

Briffa pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him.

Lawyer Amadeus Cachia argued that the accused had admitted guilt at the earliest stage of proceedings and that the condition he breaches was far less serious than others imposed. Dr Cachia stressed that he had breached curfew by half an hour and failed to sign a bail book, which are not the most serious breaches.

The court heard how the accused was receiving psychiatric treatment for an undisclosed condition and that this could further excuse his actions.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella, taking into consideration the other pending case, found him guilty and imposed a €1,000 fine instead of ordering a prison sentence. She also chose not to revoke his bail or confiscate the €3,000 deposit.