Man resisted arrest using screwdriver

Anthony Abela, 41, was jailed for six months and fined €500 today after admitting to resisting arrest with a screwdriver and after being found guilty of trafficking and possession of cocaine.

The incident happened when police raided the man's house in Balzan. He was told three times to drop the tool before he handed it over to the officers.

In their raid the police found another man, David Zammit, suffering a drug overdose.

Testifying, Mr Zammit said that he got to know Mr Abela in 1999 when the two met outside a political club in Birkirkara and he asked if Mr Abela could supply him with drugs if he gave him the cash.

He then handed over a Lm10 note and they shared a packet of drugs in a field in San Ġwann. He said that for four months before his arrest he would always use drugs with Mr Abela and started using everyday for two weeks before his arrest adding that Mr Abela would cook the drugs in an ice tea can.

Taking the witness stand Mr Abela said that it was Mr Zammit who gave him the drugs. He denied having ever bought drugs for Mr Zammit.

Magistrate Lawrence Quintano said that he found the version as given by the accused as not credible, adding that it was enough for one to even give advice on where to find drugs to be found guilty of trafficking in the substance.

Finding him guilty of all the charges against him the court jailed him for six months and fined €500.