Blood tests reveal driver in fatal New Year's Eve crash was over legal limit

Blood tests on the driver of the vehicle which crashed in Gozo in the early hours of 1 January, claiming the life of young law student Matthew Meilaq, have confirmed that Terrence Tanti was legally intoxicated at the time, a court was told this morning.

Dr Michael Refalo, who was on duty at Gozo General Hospital at the time, testified that Tanti, 22, was found to have a blood-alcohol levels of 1150mg/l, over the legal limit of 800mg/l.

Medical professionals were testifying in the compilation of evidence against Tanti, who stands accused of involuntary homicide and drunk driving after he had crashed his car, with four passengers inside, into an electricity pole on their way to Victoria, Gozo, after a house party in Nadur, Gozo. 

The tests had been ordered by the duty magistrate on the day of the crash but were exhibited for the first time today. In a previous sitting, police inspector Frank Tabone had said that a breathalyzer test taken at 11am had not indicated that Tanti was legally intoxicated.

Dr Coronato Grech, the doctor on duty at Gozo's General Hospital on the night, testified that he had visited the scene of the accident. “At the scene there was a wrecked car and a person beside it. I certified the person as dead.”

Dr Bridget Ellul, who conducted the autopsy on Meilak's body said that cause of death of the 22-year-old was “massive head injury, a lacerated brain, fractured skull and ruptured aorta.”

Refalo told the court that Miguel Camilleri, one of the passengers, had been certified as suffering from grievous injuries, including fractures to his right forearm and ribs, a fractured pelvis. He also had a punctured lung and bladder laceration.

An Enemalta representative also testified today, exhibiting an as yet unpaid invoice for €1,196, representing the damage caused to the electricity pole by the crash.

Inspectors Bernard Spiteri and Frank Tabone prosecuted. Lawyer Joe Giglio appeared for Tanti. Lawyer Daniela Mangion appeared in parte civile for Camilleri.