Sudanese jailed for being in possession of false papers

A 17-year-old from Sudan was today jailed for three months in the juvenile section of the prison after he admitted to being in possession of false Italian identity and residence cards and travel documents.

Taking the witness stand, Sabine Scicluna, coordinator of Dar is-Sliem, where the Sudanese lived, described the accused as a very quiet young man who never caused any problems despite the traumas he had gone through. He had a very good relationship with the staff and no family.

Defence lawyer Alex Sciberras told the court the man had been in Malta since he was 15 years old. The documents were sent to him by his cousin and he did not know that they were false.

Police inspector Mario Haber asked the court permission to keep the false documents for comparison and teaching.

After taking into consideration his clean police record and early admission, Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit jailed the young man for the least possible period.