Seven immigrants were condemned to a one-year jail term suspended for two years for their involvement in the riot that took place at Hal Far detention centre yesterday.

The migrants, six Nigerians and a Ghanaian, pleaded guilty to assaulting and threatening police and Detention Services officers, causing damage not exceeding €1,165 and forming part of a group of 10 or more people to commit a crime.

The migrants are John Kwaku, 25, from Ghana and Nigerians Ernest Eselebor, 29, Darlington Ubhimihye, 31, Jonathan Moses, 23, Jude Austin, 31, Wisdom Erhunmwunse, 29, and a 17-year-old.

Lawyer Simon Micallef Stafrace was appointed legal aid lawyer to represent the migrants.

Police Inspectors Kevin Pulis and Johann Fenech prosecuted.