You may remember Daniel Holmes, who was given a 10.5 year sentence and a 23000 Euro fine + costs for growing his own herb. He was released in 2018 and deported back to his homeland of Wales in the UK after spending most of his sentence lockup up on MALTA.


I thought you may like to know how he is getting on now.


Good NEWS in bleak times


Daniel Holmes, a man from South Wales who was arrested in 2006 on Malta with his friend Barry Lee, for growing cannabis for their own use. Daniel then spent 12 years detained on the island, 9 of which were spent in the Corradino Correctional Facility Prison near Valletta. There was no evidence of their intent to deal but at that time in Malta cultivation was automatically classed as trafficking, contrary to EU human rights laws. Daniel and Barry were each charged with crimes that threatened FIVE life sentences and because of this, Barry Lee committed suicide while in custody. The case attracted much Maltese and international attention, and protests were held in Malta and petitions launched demanding Daniel’s release. This did not happen even when the president was asked to reconsider the fairness of the case. Daniel was eventually released in 2018 and deported. He returned to Cardiff where he now lives with his family.


When in jail, Daniel spent much of his time reading and writing. He recorded his experiences each day and these are now included in his first book entitled “From a Cage on a Rock in a Puddle” which will be launched at this year’s Malta Book Festival that takes place between 11th and 15th November. There is an interview with Daniel scheduled as advertised in this link https://ktieb.org.mt/festival/daniel-holmes-interviewed-by-lovin-malta-founder-christian-peregin/, and more here: https://www.facebook.com/johnathan.cilia/posts/3699820186706206


The festival will be a virtual event this year due to Covid-19, and information about it will be available at the festival’s website (https://ktieb.org.mt/national-book-festival/) Events will be free to view on the website and can also be watched on their Facebook page at (https://www.facebook.com/NationalBookCouncil/).


Daniel continues to write, and has already completed other works for future publication, including a poetry book, a book of short stories, a review of his Instagram posts during his incarceration, and a children’s book.


After so long away from society with no resettlement help from the Maltese system he is gradually getting to grips with social media, though he would prefer to be living off grid.


If you are interested in finding out more and perhaps arranging an interview with Daniel please email me. his father, at [email protected] or phone 07846640600.


Kind regards


Mel Holmes


Daniel’s website is at https://daholmes.com/


His Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/Daniel-A-Holmes-114008403619869/


His Instagram page is https://www.instagram.com/daholmes/


His You Tube feed is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUB4gc-LtOSNI3lVc_Vp_AA?view_as=subscriber