Fined €300 for injuring his friend

Kersten Borg, 21 of Marsascala was today fined €300 after admitting to grievously injuring a friend in a traffic accident on the Birkirkara by-pass.

On 22 July 2012, at around 9pm, Borg was with his friends at Msida and agreed to drive to Zebbug in two different vehicles. Kirsten Portelli was behind the wheel of the second car.

When they arrived on the Birkirkara by-pass, the accused assumed the other driver had driven onto the bypass however  Portelli had given way to an oncoming vehicle and Borg crashed into the back of his car. In the incident the victim suffered a laceration above his right eyebrow.

Borg was charged with causing grievous injuries to Portelli and driving in a dangerous and negligent manner.

However, Magistrate Ian Farrugia held there was no evidence that Borg was negligent in his driving.

"It was an unfortunate incident between friends and all damage was covered by the insurance," the court said.

Borg, who in the coming days is embarking on voluntary work abroad, was fined €300.

Inspector Robert Vella prosecuted.