Road rage aggressor who assaulted female bus driver ordered to compensate victim

A former bus driver has been awarded almost €20,000 in damages, payable by the man who assaulted her four years ago.

Rita Bonavia filed a claim for compensation against Christian Zarb, who had already been found guilty of the assault by a criminal court. The case took place in Swieqi on 3 August 2012, when Ms Bonavia was employed by Arriva as a bus driver.

A criminal court had heard how the accused, who was driving a refrigeration truck, had stopped the vehicle in front of the bus, blocking it inside a bus bay, and started shouting at the driver, accusing her of cutting him off.

He became aggressive and punched her in the shoulder through the driver side window. Ms Bonavia pushed the panic button and slammed the window shut but the man went to the other side and banged on the door while threatening her. He had also pulled down his pants and made obscene gestures. That court had handed down a six month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years.

Ms Bonavia said she had suffered a permanent disability and loss of earnings. She said Mr Zarb had been ordered to compensate her but had failed to do so. She asked the court to declare that Mr Zarb was responsible for the incident and to award damages.

A court expert had said during the criminal proceedings that Ms Bonavia had suffered an 8% disability and was unable to work as a driver for two years.

The court, presided over by Mr Justice Lawrence Mintoff, ordered Mr Zarb to pay Ms Bonavia €19,362.19 in compensation.