A former policeman was yesterday given a suspended prison sentence and a Lm360 fine, after being caught in possession of cocaine and cannabis.

Police constable Omar Gatt, 26 from Cospicua, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and cannabis on and before 18 November 2003.

He also pleaded guilty to being in possession of gunpowder and committing a number of crimes he was duty bound to prevent.

The court, presided over by magistrate Lawrence Quintano, said that the court had taken into account the accused’s early guilty plea and his clean criminal record. He, therefore, handed down a 15-month prison term suspended for two-and-a-half years as well as imposed an Lm360 fine to be paid within six months.

Police superintendent Neil Harrison prosecuted while Dr Joseph Giglio appeared for defence.