Truck driver from viral videos granted bail, banned from driving
Marius Camilleri, the truck driver in several videos that went viral on social media, was yesterday granted bail.
Last week he was remanded in custody, with a court describing him as a “dangerous man” but the same magistrate yesterday granted him bail, saying that he wanted to find a balance between the man’s right to freedom and the safety of road users.
Camilleri, 57, has a criminal record spanning over 23 years, including several traffic offences convictions.
During Monday’s sitting, defence lawyer Leslie Cuschieri said Magistrate Grazio Mercieca should refrain from hearing the case because he had expressed himself in open court last week, with his comments being reproduced in the media.
The magistrate turned down the request, arguing that there were no grounds for such a challenge.
Turning to the renewed request for bail, the magistrate said he was willing to grant bail but would do so against a deposit of €10,000 “since I have to strike a balance between your right to liberty and the right of every person to go out on the streets in full safety.”
The court also imposed a personal guarantee of €10,000 and set a curfew between 7pm and 6am.
Camilleri also has to sign the bail book every day and is prohibited from driving any vehicle.
The defence said that while it was not contesting the authenticity of the videos, it was doubtful whether the truck shown in the clips belonged to the accused.
Police Inspector Sergio Pisani, prosecuting, said the vehicle had particular features, such as a bent bumper, which made it easily identifiable.
The inspector also told the court that Camilleri’s insurance company had cancelled his policy since the original firm had been submitted fraudulently.
The case continues in February.