Lab tests of soldier involved in Valletta crash showed substantial alcohol
Benjamin Chetcuti stands accused of the involuntary homicide of Mildred Azzopardi
Laboratory tests of a sample of urine provided by Benjamin Chetcuti, the 23-year-old soldier charged with the involuntary homicide of 62-year-old crash victim Mildred Azzopardi, showed substantial alcohol consumption, a court heard Tuesday.
A court-appointed expert testified that the results had been confirmed with a urine alcohol concentration test. No illicit substances were found in the soldier's urine, however, the court expert said.
Godwin Sammut was testifying in criminal proceedings against Chetcuti, the driver of the car involved in the Valletta crash in July that killed Azzopardi.
Chetcuti is facing several charges, including driving under the influence and grievously injuring another man through negligence.
He denies the charges.
On Tuesday morning, Sammut said Chetcuti’s urine alcohol concentration test showed results measuring 360 milligrams per 100mL.
In previous sittings, it had emerged that a breathalyser test had returned a positive result of 139.2 μg/100ml when the legal limit is 22micrograms.
Three police officers testified during Tuesday’s proceedings, recalling what they saw when they arrived at the scene.
A police sergeant from Valletta Police Station explained she found a doctor who happened to be in the area trying to assist Azzopardi, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Another police constable explained he subjected Chetcuti to the breathalyser test.
The case was adjourned to January 13.
Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech presided over the court.
AG lawyer Danika Vella prosecuted, assisted by police superintendent Nicholas Vella.
Lawyers Franco Debono, Arthur Azzopardi and Jacob Magri assisted the accused.
Lawyer Peter Fenech and Luigi Fenech appeared for the family.