Confused French tourist fined and suspended from driving for causing accident

Confusion between the continental and local driving regulations cost a French tourist €1,000 after he was convicted of negligent driving this afternoon.

Last Thursday, 61-year-old Hubert Sigrist, who is in Malta on holiday, switched to the wrong lane whilst negotiating a bend and collided with an oncoming vehicle in Cliffs Street, Dingli. 

The driver of the other car was seriously injured in the accident.  

Sigrist was charged with negligent and careless driving, causing serious injury to driver of the oncoming vehicle and with causing damaged to both cars. 

Lawyer Martin Fenech, appearing for Sigrist, submitted that this was a case of genuine error and that there was no criminal intent on his client's part. He acknowledged, however, that the offence of negligent operation of a motor vehicle did not require intent to be proven. Fenech requested the court award a punishment “towards the minimum.”

Magistrate Doreen Clarke found the French national guilty, fining him €1,000 and disqualifying him from driving for three months.

Police Inspectors Elliot Magro and Roderick Zammit prosecuted.