Driver Who Crashed Into Santa Venera Hair Salon While Allegedly Drunk To Remain Under Arrest
The driver who lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a closed hair salon in Santa Venera earlier this month will remain under arrest after a court heard he was allegedly driving well over the leegal alcohol limit.
TVM news reported 42-year-old Abdi Salaan Mahamad Abditon Ali, a Somali national who has lived in Malta since 2008, appeared before Magistrate Gianella Camilleri Busuttil charged with driving under the influence.
Police said the incident happened on 7th August in Triq il-Kanun, when the car crashed through the glass doors of Marica’s Salon before coming to a stop just inside.
The driver suffered slight injuries and was taken to Mater Dei Hospital, where a breathalyser test revealed an alcohol level exceeding 100, well above the legal limit for taxi drivers, which is zero.
He was arrested two days later after being kept in hospital for observation.
The defence requested bail, saying the accused had no previous court cases in his years living in Malta, did not know the identity of the witnesses, and that his foot had become stuck on the pedal at the time of the crash.
The prosecution opposed bail, stressing that the case was serious and not an “ordinary accident” given the alleged level of intoxication.
A protection order was also issued in favour of salon owner Marica Baldacchino, who was present in court with her son.
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