A man was placed under a three-year probation order and had his driving licence suspended for five years after admitting to torching his car after crashing it into three stationary vehicles in 2008.

A court heard how the man, who is not being named because of a mental health condition he suffers from, was driving his car along High Street in Hamrun when he crashed it into three parked cars. He left the scene and drove to the Valletta ditch, where he set his car on fire.

He was charged with accused of destroying the car to get insurance money, torching the car in a public place, driving under the influence and damaging three cars. He further charged with dangerous driving, fleeing the scene of an accident and relapsing.

The court heard ow the man had a number of court cases related mainly to traffic offences, theft and drug possession. He had served two jail terms in the past. His probation officer said he had been unemployed since 1998 since he could not work because of his mental health condition and he was receiving treatment at Mount Carmel Hospital. Tests confirmed that he is currently sober.

The court, presided by Marseann Farrugia, agreed with the recommendations of the probation officer and extended his probation period by three years. She also placed him under a three-year treatment order and suspended his licences for five years. The man was also ordered to pay some €2,000 in damages to the owners of the damaged vehicles.

Inspector James Grech prosecuted.