Jailed for heroin possession

A man was yesterday jailed for three months for heroin possession but was cleared of trafficking in the same drug after a magistrate ruled the charge had not been proved to the degree requested by the law.

Francis Degiorgio, 36, was found guilty of possessing the heroin on and before August 12, 1996.

He was, however, cleared of trafficking in heroin and stealing Alexander Templeman's wallet after Magistrate Abigail Lofaro noted that the only incriminating evidence against Degiorgio was the statement released by Templeman.

The magistrate heard how Templeman claimed that Degiorgio had sold him drugs but, on the other hand, Degiorgio categorically denied selling him drugs and said it was Templeman who sold the drugs to him.

The magistrate noted that whereas Templeman chose not to testify in the court proceedings for fear of incriminating himself Degiorgio had given evidence.

She also noted that Degiorgio maintained a consistent version that was also corroborated by Marco Delia's testimony.

Police Inspector Nicholas Ciappara prosecuted.