A man, who was originally jailed for a month for the possession of cannabis with the intent to sell, had his punishment reduced to probation on appeal.

Mr Justice David Scicluna, sitting in the Court of Criminal Appeal, cleared John Gerada of the possession of the 39 grammes of cannabis with the intent to sell and found him guilty of simple possession. The judge came to this decision after hearing how Mr Gerada was addicted to the drug when he was found in its possession.

He revoked the original judgement by which Mr Gerada was jailed for a month and fined Lm100 and, instead, put him on probation for three years and ordered he carries out 100 hours of voluntary work.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Charmaine Cherrett appeared for Mr Gerada.