Jailed for drug possession three years after being acquitted of murder
Piero Di Bartolo was sent to prison for five and a half years
A Marsaxlokk fisherman acquitted of involvement in the disappearance of a man 18 years ago has been jailed for five and a half years after admitting to aggravated possession of cannabis and cocaine.
Piero Di Bartolo was accused of being in possession of cannabis resin and other parts of the plant, as well as cocaine, in circumstances suggesting it was not for personal use.
He was also accused of breaching a set of bail conditions, handed on February 7, 2006, in the proceedings in connection with the murder of Albert Brian Rosso, from which he was eventually acquitted in 2023.
The man denied the charges at first.
But on February 25, the Attorney General and the accused presented a joint application, in which they requested that, in the eventuality of a guilty plea, Di Bartolo be sentenced to five years and six months, in addition to an €18,000 fine and other conditions imposed by the court.
Di Bartolo pleaded guilty.
On Thursday morning, the court confirmed that the accused had had enough time to consider his plea and understand its legal implications. It also considered the man’s criminal record and the serious nature of the charges. The court also observed that while the man admitted after the Bill of Indictment had been issued, the trial by jury had not yet taken place.
The Criminal Court found no reason to mete out a different punishment and jailed Di Bartolo for five years and six months. He was fined €18,000 and ordered to pay €6,027.44 in court expenses.
Mr Justice Neville Camilleri presided over the Criminal Court.
Attorney General lawyer Kenneth Camilleri prosecuted while lawyer Roberto Montalto represented the accused.