A man was yesterday jailed for one month suspended for a year and fined Lm127 after he was found guilty of possessing 61 packets of contraband cigarettes and a contraband firearm.

Julian Briffa, 45, from Birkirkara, was found guilty of being in possession of the contraband items on 5 October 1999 at the Empress Elena Bar in Birkirkara.

The court heard how Briffa took responsibility for what was found and that although his wife was the bar’s licensee, she knew nothing about the contraband items.

Magistrate Michael Mallia jailed Briffa for one month suspended for a year and fined him Lm127.

Police Inspector Edel Mary Camilleri prosecuted.