Watch: Alleged Bidnija killer rams car in road rage incident in January
Video shows him driving large water tanker truck straight into a car in St Paul's Bay
A man accused of the recent Bidnija murder was at the wheel of a truck that appeared to have deliberately ploughed into a vehicle in an incident last January, according to footage obtained by Times of Malta.
The alleged road rage incident shows the large vehicle driving straight into the car on the road as a man is seen trying to close the back passenger door. Mohamed Hamdan was later identified as the driver of the truck.
The incident happened on January 20 on Triq it-Turisti in St Paul’s Bay.
Hamdan, 46, who has a history of crime, stands accused of killing Jean Paul Busuttil following a collision between the two on a country lane in Bidnija early on June 29. He is pleading not guilty to all charges.
The footage of the January incident shows a man heading towards a red Mazda before the driver of the truck drives right ahead. The other driver can be seen going behind the car and the red vehicle is dragged along the road.
On the day, the alleged victim reportedly went to pick up his employees when a water tanker truck “squeezed” his vehicle when he was trying to park. The man informed the truck driver that he needed to leave and that he could park there once he leaves.
However, the truck driver allegedly responded with insults, leading to a physical altercation in which punches were thrown.
The police report states the police received an anonymous phone call at 7.05am and were informed about a traffic incident. While most of the information has been redacted, the report states that the water tanker truck drove onto the man’s vehicle and dragged it for 15 metres.
Company denies involvement
Questions sent to the company that owns the water tanker truck, asking about Hamdan’s employment and whether he was fired following the incident, remained unanswered.
The company’s lawyer replied to Times of Malta saying the questions were confidential in nature and, therefore, the requested information could not be disclosed.
“With regards to the alleged incident, at this stage, I can only refer you to the judicial acts exchanged in connection with the said incident whereby my client has denied any responsibility and/or involvement therein.”
The alleged victim has sought compensation for the damages sustained. It was only after some months that through his lawyer he managed to trace the name of the owner of the company and eventually the name of the driver.
It is understood that the driver, through his lawyer, requested two garnishee orders – one against Hamdan and another against the owner of the truck.
Car sustained very extensive damages
Surveyors’ reports seen by Times of Malta detail the extensive damage sustained by the car of the victim, who is still chasing his money.
One of the reports states that the car sustained “very extensive damages on the left side panels, rear and right front”. The collision also caused the left side airbags to deploy. The left side panels were pushed onto the passenger’s compartment.
The rear extensive damage affected the tailgate, rear panel, tow bar, rear trim and rear right wing.
It estimated the total repair costs at €13,759. The surveyor appointed by the insurance estimated the repair works at €15,658.
Questions have been sent to the police about the case. Times of Malta understands that they are expected to take action.