A 29-year-old Somali national was yesterday jailed for ten years after he admitted to damaging a number of cars while being under the influence of alcohol.

Mustafa Mohamud Mohamed, from Somalia and who resides in Zebbug, Gozo, stood charged with damaging various cars with the damages amounting to more than €250. He also stood charged with disturbing the public peace and for being drunk in public. 

It was also noted that the man, who is currently without a job, was a relapser. The man was arrested in the early hours of 17 December in Triq ix-Xatt, Pieta'. 

The accused pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him. The magistrate said that the man should be aware that these charges carry can carry a prison sentence and asked him to reconfirm his plea. The Somali national reconfirmed his guilty plea.

The prosecution said that the court should take note of the man's criminal history and that fact that the man just got out of prison. The defence sad that the accused had cooperated with the police and admitted to the charges.  

The magistrate found the man guilty and condemned him to ten months in prison. 

Police inspector Mark Mercieca led the prosecution while lawyer Christopher Chircop appeared as legal aid.