Sadly, the Josette Bickle problem will, just like brine, continue to preserve the evil contents of its container, the Corradino Correctional Facility.

Some unspeakable events have occurred since I returned to my birthplace, just over a decade ago, after 27 years abroad, serving worldwide as a senior medical officer in the British Army.

Firstly, there was the shock of the two judges including a Chief Justice, being imprisoned for corruption.

Secondly, this scandal about rampant drug dealing in prison itself by an inmate, Ms Bickle.

Had I returned to my tranquil Malta, or a mini-Mexico in the Mediterranean?

In my capacity as a doctor, I was fortunate to have looked after Adolf Hitler’s deputy, Rudolf Hess, from 1976 to 1979, while he was the only prisoner in the heavily guarded and large Allied prison in Spandau, Berlin.

At the time, it was one of the most secure and impregnable prisons in the world.

I ask the Prime Minister to urgently order a major independent inquiry into this whole disgraceful shambles.

The majority of the Maltese population is screaming out for it, whether it be Mr John Citizen, or the parents and relatives of the many petty criminals, who are ending up as hardened and cleverer criminals, as they are set free from prison.

Colonel (Retd) Chevalier

Dr Raymond Bencini

Żebbuġ