Man slapped with €6,500 fine for dangerous drunk driving
Accused was six times over the legal alcohol limit and drove at 140km/h
A construction worker who pleaded guilty to driving dangerously while drunk, fleeing police, and injuring a man in a previous argument was slapped with a €6,500 fine on Tuesday.
Jesmond Portelli, a 41-year-old man from Msida, was arraigned and accused of serious driving offences, including dangerous driving, driving while intoxicated, and ignoring offical orders. He was also accused of causing slight injuries during an argument with another man, insulting the same man, and breaching public order.
Portelli was also charged with illegal possession of a pointed weapon.
On May 17, police officers on Aldo Moro Road noticed a BMW approaching them at a very high speed from behind.
The officers switched on the patrol car’s lights and signalled for the driver to stop. Instead of stopping, the accused continued to drive, reaching a speed of around 140km/h.
The court heard how the accused also made a hand “signal” towards the police officer.
The police started chasing the driver but stopped their pursuit out of concern that the accused’s driving could endanger or harm other road users.
Later, the police tracked the vehicle to the accused’s residence after identifying the registered owner through the number plate.
Portelli was then arrested.
During Tuesday’s arraignment, it was revealed that a breathalyser test showed an alcohol reading of 147.4g/l per 100ml of breath.
The prosecution explained this was six times over the legal limit of 22g/l.
The prosecution explained that before the car chase, an argument had broken out between several people in Żabbar. CCTV footage confirmed that one of the individuals in the argument was Portelli.
He allegedly ran away from the fight, which explained why he did not stop for the police.
In court, Portelli admitted to all six charges.
The court sentenced him to a €6,500 fine to be paid over three years, removed his driving licence for one year, and ordered the confiscation of the weapon.
Magistrate Tanya Sammut presided.
Inspector Clive Abela and Conrad Falzon prosecuted, while lawyer Roberto Montalto appeared for the accused.