Sudanese jailed for injuring officer

Standing in the dock, sporting a t-shirt claiming the worse day of his life was when he gave up smoking, drinking and sex, Sudanese national Mukthar Abdi Eidid, 22, was imprisoned for seven months after pleading guilty to slightly injuring a plain clothes police officer.

Prosecuting inspector Sarah Magro explained how plain clothes officers intervened to stop an argument between a group of Somali migrants near the Hal Far Open Centre.

The accused, a resident at the Open Centre, claimed the officer had stolen his mobile phone, however this was not found in the officer's possession.

Another argument ensued over the missing phone. During the commotion the accused hit the officer with the door of an unmarked police car, causing him slight injuries. The inspector held this was the third time, the accused was arraigned over similar charges, mostly deriving from his alcohol problem.

Eidid pleaded guilty to injuring the officer and admitted his claim the police stole his phone was false as he had left the phone with a friend of his.

Magistrate Carol Peralta said the accused is not a first time offender and his repetitive offences leaves the court with no alternative than to impose and effective jail term.

"I cannot forgive a relapser brought to court for the third time. While understanding the reason you came to Malta, you have to realise you are guests of the country and its people and are obliged to abide by the laws of the country hosting you. It is time you learnt your lesson", the Magistrate said.

Sudanese national Eidid was imprisoned for seven months.