31-year-old has bail denied over drug charges

A 31-year old man has been denied bail in a case where he was found to be in possession of drugs.

31-year-old Gilbert Busuttil was charged with being in possession of cocaine and heroin, while within 100m from an area where youths frequent, and committing the crime during the operative period of a suspended sentence.

Dr Yanika Bugeja, representing the accused, said the accused was pleading not guilty and requested bail, stating that he is not a danger to society.

Dr Bugeja said that her client failed to attend a number of court sittings related to theft as he was undergoing cancer treatment. The situation drove him to relapse into his drug problem.

The prosecution objected stating that he had no fixed address, and that his address was that of his parents, yet he was found sharing a hotel room in Gżira.

The defence said that his mother has depression, that he lives with his parents, and that he has two children, one of whom is in his custody. “If he ends up in jail, he will have some serious problems. He is ready to live with his parents and commit to starting a drug rehabilitation programme.”

“He understands he needs to change his life, and his parents are ready to help.”

Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech asked why he was staying in a hotel room if he cared for his child.

He was denied bail.