Motorist found driving with an expired licence twice in a day granted bail
Lawyer says his client forgot to renew his licence when he suffered a heart attack
A 59-year-old Mtarfa man who allegedly defied police orders not to drive was granted bail on Monday after pleading not guilty to driving without a licence.
Noel Mifsud was found driving on Sunday despite having been warned by the police earlier in the day not to drive and that he would be charged under summons.
He was accused of driving without a valid licence and insurance cover and disobeying legitimate police orders.
Police inspector Clive Abela explained that on Sunday, Mifsud was stopped at around 8:30am at a road check. The police established that the vehicle had a valid road licence and was properly insured, but his personal driving licence had expired. His son was asked to drive the vehicle away.
Later in the day, Mifsud was again found driving, with his son as passenger.
Defence lawyer Jacob Magri requested bail, arguing that his client, at 59, had never been charged in court before and had no previous traffic infractions. He explained that his client suffered a heart attack in March when his licence was due for renewal, and it had slipped his mind. He also underlined that there were no civilian witnesses in the case and his client would be renewing his licence “today”.
Abela objected, saying that there was no peace of mind that the man would abide by the court's orders and not drive again.
The court upheld the bail request against a €5,000 personal guarantee. Mifsud was ordered to sign the bail book once a week.
Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo presided. Police inspector Clive Abela prosecuted while lawyer Jacob Magri appeared for the accused.