An Ethiopian and an Eritrean were yesterday charged with having escaped from Armed Forces custody back in 2006.

Samuel Enawgaw, 20, from Ethiopia, and a 17-year-old who cannot be named, were charged with escaping from the close detention centre at Lyster barracks, Hal Far on 31 December 2006. They subsequently escaped to Sicily, but were returned to Malta on their apprehension there. They were also accused of not providing a valid passport to the principal immigration officer.

Police inspector Sandro Zarb prosecuted.