Syrian man charged with hit and run in Zabbar

A 54-year-old man from Syria was yesterday arraigned before the court in connection with the hit and run traffic accident which took place on Saturday. The accident had left a pedestrian with grievous injuries and his dog dead.

Ahmad Abu Hassan, who is of Syrian original and resides in Cospicua, appeared before magistrate Josette Demicoli facing charges of with grievously injuring the 41-year old man and killing his canine companion as they were walking in Villagate road in Zabbar. The accident happened at around 2pm on Saturday. The accused was driving a motorcycle and evidence suggests the man was under the influence of alcohol.

The victim was taken to Mater Dei hospital where he was certified as having sustained grievous injuries. Police said the man’s dog died as a result of the impact.

The accused was also charged with negligent and dangerous driving, over speeding, driving while intoxicated, driving a motorcycle whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs and for failing to stop at the scene of an accident in which he was involved.

Prosecuting inspector Christabelle Chetcuti asked the court to confiscate the motorcycle involved in the accident together with the man’s driving licence in view of his being a relapser.

The accused, assisted by lawyer Joe Brincat pleaded guilty to the charges and requested bail. Court decided to grant bail for the man with a deposit of €1000 and a personal guarantee of €5000.