A 38-year-old woman with 27 prior convictions – most relating to prostitution – was jailed for three months after she admitted to having been in possession of heroin while in prison.

The case dates back to 7 October, 2012, where a surprise inspection by guards at the Corradino Correctional Facility led to the discovery of drugs in the person of Jacqueline Rapinett.

The woman, who is presently attending a residential drug rehabilitation programme to kick her heroin habit, pleaded guilty to the charge.

Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras recognised that Ms Rapinett had shown a desire to overcome her drug addiction, but also said that she could not overlook her extensive criminal record, which was presently 16 pages long.

Consequently, she ruled that an effective jail term was warranted, although Ms Rapinett will be serving her sentence whilst attending a residential drug rehabilitation programme.