Sheehan chooses not to testify against motorist who hit minister’s car

The bailed former driver of former justice minister Manuel Mallia, Paul Sheehan, elected not to testify in proceedings against Stephen Smith, who is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol.

In today’s brief sitting before Magistrate Audrey Demicoli, the suspended policeman was called to testify by Inspector Jonathan Ransley, but once on the witness stand he informed the court that he would not be testifying, so as not to incriminate himself.

Sheehan is undergoing separate criminal proceedings for the attempted murder of Smith, after he allegedly gave chase and fired shots at Smith’s vehicle from his service handgun.

Inspector Jesmond Micallef also testified today, telling the court that he was present during Smith’s deposition.

“Smith had said that he was having drinks at Black Gold in Gzira. On the way home, he stopped to buy water. He remembered hitting the side mirror and door of a dark-coloured Mercedes parked at the side of the road. He said a man got out of the car and told him to stop, but he drove off and the other car followed him. He heard two shots.”

He informed the court that Smith’s breathalyzer result was 109mg and that Smith had asked to be represented by Manuel Mallia, and was told that this was not possible as Mallia was a cabinet minister at the time.

Asked by the prosecution, he said that Sheehan was in plainclothes, but had identified himself as a police officer. Smith denied holding a bottle but said that there was one in the car.

The case continues in March.