Driver fined €300 for reckless driving

Stephen Chircop, 44, of Zebbug, was fined €300 and had his driving license suspended after a court ruled he was responsible for a traffic accident that took place over three years ago.

The case dates back to 31 December 2010 when at round 1:30pm, a group of youths were walking along Triq it-Turisti in St Paul’s Bay. Some walked on the pavement while others walked on the street.

Having seen the youths, Chircop, who was driving along the same road, honked the horn of his vehicle at them to move onto the pavement. However a certain Pauline Spiteri was accidentally hit by the car. She suffered fractures to her leg. The accused denied hitting anyone with the car.

Magistrate Ian Farrugia ruled that based on evidence exhibited through the compilation of evidence, the court is satisfied that the incident occurred due to Chircop’s dangerous driving. Witnesses said that while it was true that the accused used his horn, he still drove on and caused the incident.

“The dynamics of the incident call for an adequate punishment and suspension of licence to instil in the mind of the accused the need for attentive, careful driving”, the court said.

Magistrate Farrugia fined Stephen Chircop €300 and suspended his driving license for three months.