Infamous truck driver denied bail once again

Truck driver Marius Camilleri, whose antics on the road were repeatedly shared online, has again been denied bail after a magistrate ruled that he was a danger to other road users.

The truck Camilleri was reportedly driving recklessly appeared in many videos uploaded to social media and Times of Malta. The videos received heavy backlash from the public, which questioned whether the rule of law applied to the individual driving the truck.

On 30 November 2017, Camilleri was stopped by wardens and a police sergeant was dispatched to assist due to the accused being wanted by the police. He has been held under preventive custody since being arraigned on 1 December.

Camilleri is charged with 11 offences, ranging from having a road licence issued to a 125cc motorcycle displayed on his 35tonne truck, to dangerous driving, driving without a licence or insurance and speeding.

The accused has also faced almost 40 convictions over 23 years.

Magistrate Grazio Merceica, who presided over the court, rejected defence lawyer Leslie Cuschieri’s request for bail, explaining that he believed that Camilleri could potentially kill someone in a road accident.

The magistrate was dismayed after Camilleri told the court that he had never had a serious road accident in the 38 years he had been driving, remarking that this attitude reflected his character.

The accused’s sister also testified in court and recounted an incident when she witnessed her sibling driving dangerously.

Inspector Sergio Pisani prosecuted.