A teenager from Gzira was fined Lm3,600 and had his driving licence suspended after he pleaded guilty to involuntarily seriously injuring a man in a traffic accident.

Appearing before magistrate Saviour Demicoli, Matthew Camilleri, 19, pleaded guilty to seriously injuring Mario Mangion after crashing into the motorbike Mr Mangion was riding.

The accident took place on 10 September last year at around 11.30am on The Strand, between Gzira and Sliema. Camilleri was also accused of damaging Mr Mangion’s motorbike and another car, to the detriment of Joseph Zammit.

The defendant was further accused of driving without a licence and insurance, as well as driving under the influence of alcohol.

Magistrate Demicoli considered the accused’s tender age, the fact that he had cooperated with the police and that he had admitted the charges brought against him.

However, the court also considered the serious nature of the case and the fact that Camilleri’s record had been previously tarnished.

He was therefore fined Lm3,600 and his driving licence was suspended for three years.

Police inspector Malcolm Spiteri prosecuted. Dr Louis Bianchi and Dr Ramona Frendo appeared for the accused, while Dr Simon Micallef Stafrace appeared parte civile.