British born Charles Grech, 32, from Marsa was found guilty of having cannabis in his possession on 14 June 1999. He was, however, cleared of having the drugs in his possession in aggravating circumstances, suggesting that the drugs were not for his own personal use. The court, presided over by magistrate Lawrence Quintano, also pointed out that he could not be found guilty of relapsing as the prosecution had not produced evidence of a prior conviction.

The court therefore conditionally discharged Grech for three years. Police superintendent Nicholas Ciappara prosecuted while Dr Jose Herrera appeared for defence.