Accused overdosed on heroin on day of release

Roderick Montesin, 26, of Siggiewi, has been placed on a three-year probation period after admitting to being in possession of heroin, the day after he was released from prison.

The court heard that upon completing an eight-month prison term on 15 th November 2011, the accused went to his home in Siggiewi, and left to Hamrun to purchase a €10 packet of heroin. The court heard how the accused’s sister had heard her brother short on breath, and upon entering his room, she found him lying on his bed unconscious .

The police were consequently called in and found Montesin lying unconscious on his bed with his mother and sister at his bedside. He was subsequently admitted to Mater Dei Hospital, where it transpired that the accused had overdosed on heroin.

In his police statement, the accused admitted to being in possession of heroin, but did not file a guilty plea before the courts. Nevertheless, despite not admitting to the charges, the court said that the accused cooperated with the police.

In handing down the judgment, Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras said that the accused was previously found guilty of two counts of simple possession and a further two counts of aggravated theft. She however notes that Montesin had reformed, and weekly urine samples tested negative.

Roderick Montesin was found guilty of being in possession of heroin, of relapsing and of breaching a probation order. He was consequently placed on a three-year probation order.