Kevin Andrew Farrugia, 32, last week received an 18-month suspended sentence over the discovery of a five-shot .22 calibre revolver in a cupboard in his cell on 7 May last year.

The discovery of the gun – after a tip-off to prison officials – led to a lockdown at Victoria’s three maximum security prisons and a review of jail security.

The revolver was discovered while Farrugia was serving a four-year nine-month jail term for kidnapping, the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court was told.

Senior Constable Stephen McGinness said the cell raid also uncovered three bags of cannabis, 11 vials of steroids, four syringes, a file and a screwdriver.

Farrugia pleaded guilty to four counts, including committing an act contrary to the security of a prison and being a prohibited person possessing a firearm.

Defence barrister Nicola Gobbo said while Farrugia had refused to talk to police while he was in custody, there was no evidence he was trying to escape.

She said she understood a prison officer resigned after being investigated over the contraband.

Farrugia had no physical contact with his family in the six months prior to the gun being found.

“It must be inferred that someone in the prison rather than a family member had enabled these items to be in the prison system,” Ms Gobbo said.

Magistrate Jennifer Grubissa said while the firearms charge was serious, she was “very concerned” Farrugia had spent the 17 months since the offence in 23-hour lockdown at Barwon Prison.

He was transferred to Barwon Prison’s high security Acacia Unit the day after the gun was found.

“I don’t think the current circumstances in any way assist his re-integration into the community,” Ms Grubissa said.

Ms Grubissa convicted Farrugia, suspended the jail term for two years and fined him $1,000 over the cannabis and steroids.

Ms Gobbo said her client had been told he may be deported to Malta, where he was born.

He moved to Australia with his family when aged two.

“I understand it’s at a stage where Mr Farrugia has been asked to provide reasons why he shouldn’t be deported,” Ms Gobbo said.

Farrugia, who has a lengthy criminal history including previous firearms and drug offences, is due for release in November 2006.

Ms Gobbo said the prison governor had told him he would not be paroled before his full-term was served.