Jamal RaRagib El Badawi, 21, living in Paceville, was found guilty of possessing forged money on 20 October 2002 and the prior days. Upon a search of his Paceville residence, police found four Lm10 notes in the pocket of Badawi’s jacket. The money was obviously false.

The accused told police someone had given them to him in Paceville, but later changed his story claiming someone had sent them to him from Libya.

Court expert Martin Bajada said the notes were photocopies of a Lm10 note specimen since they had only one serial number that was not printed on the back of the note.

In the judgement, presiding magistrate Lawrence Quintano said 13 months is the minimum jail time the law stipulates should be given for the crime of being in possession of forged money.

Along with the jail term, Badawi was ordered to pay the expenses incurred by the court in hiring experts.