Drunk Cab Driver Crashes Into Santa Venera Salon Avoids Jail
The taxi driver who ploughed into a Santa Venera hair salon while over the alcohol limit has been handed a suspended sentence and a €2,000 fine after admitting guilt in court.
42-year-old Somali national Abdi Salaan Mahamad Abditon Ali stood before Magistrate Viktor Axiak on Tuesday, where he was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years.
“It was by sheer luck and the grace of God that there were no fatalities,” Magistrate Axiak said, slamming the accused for having “acted recklessly without any concern over life.” as reported by Times Of Malta
The sitting opened with a representative from Elmo Insurance confirming that damages worth more than €10,000 would be covered. After that, the driver changed his plea to guilty, having initially pleaded not guilty.
Police Inspector Nathan Bugeja stressed that the accused was entrusted with the safety of passengers, saying: “While he was carrying out his duties, he was over the legal alcohol limit, with a reading of 107.3 micrograms of alcohol per breath. This put people’s lives at risk and caused extensive damage to property.”
Lawyer Zack Esmail, appearing for the shop owner, told the court that they did not believe the driver deserved actual prison time, noting the shop owner had been reassured that insurance would cover the damages.
Defence lawyer Francesca Zarb described the crash as a “pitiful and sorrowful case” that could have ended much worse. She also highlighted that the accused had lived in Malta for years and had a family here.
“In view of the fact that the client has been held in detention, effective imprisonment would not be ideal for him,” Zarb argued, once again pointing out that the shop owner had peace of mind knowing damages would be covered.
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