A man named Joseph Muscat – not the Prime Minister – was fined €140 for the simple possession of cannabis grass.

Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras found the 30-year-old from Marsascala guilty of the simple possession of the drug.

In 2011, Mr Muscat had already been convicted of the simple possession of cannabis and had been placed on probation for three years.

Mr Muscat is currently attending the Assessment Stabilisation Unit which was preparing a plan to help him kick the drug habit.

The court heard how the substance found in his possession was minimal and that it was obvious it was for his own personal use. As she cleared him of committing a crime during the operative term of the 2011 probation order, she fined him €140.

Police Inspector Malcolm Bondin prosecuted while lawyer Mark Busuttil appeared for the man.