Case continues of drunk driver in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq crash, driver granted bail
Yoana Valentinova Gatt has admitted to drink driving but denies reckless driving charge
A woman involved in a Baħar ic-Cagħaq collision that left a motorcyclist seriously injured has been granted bail.
Yoana Valentinova Gatt, a 44-year-old Bulgarian national living in St Paul’s Bay, admitted earlier this week to causing grievous bodily harm through negligence to the motorcyclist, damaging the victim’s motorcycle, driving under the influence and drink driving.
She denies the reckless driving charge, and the case continues with respect to that charge.
The incident took place on August 17 when Valentinova Gatt hit the motorcycle from the rear, injuring its driver, a 53-year-old Belgian national living in Gżira.
Eyewitnesses who testified earlier this week explained how five men had lifted the woman’s car, which had its engine still running, to free the trapped motorcyclist.
The motorcyclist was placed in the recovery position until the emergency services arrived at the scene.
A breathalyser test revealed Valentinova Gatt was six times over the legal limit, with the test marking 124.9 μg/100ml (microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml breath).
On Friday morning, the court granted the woman bail against a €2,000 deposit and a €10,000 personal guarantee. She was ordered to sign the bail book twice a week.
Magistrate Antoine Agius Bonnici presided.
Police inspector Nathan Bugeja prosecuted.
Legal aid lawyer Nadya Fiott appeared for the accused.