A 19-year-old man from Mellieħa has admitted to reckless driving following a police chase through residential areas on Halloween night.

Iverson Bartolo on Saturday was charged with driving dangerously, without a licence, and without insurance. He will be sentenced on 4 November at 9am.

Prosecutors told the court that police officers in Pembroke spotted a BMW being driven recklessly along Triq Tobruk at around 10:30pm, while children and young people were crossing the road.

When officers ordered the driver to stop, Bartolo sped off, heading into nearby residential streets and even driving the wrong way down one-way roads where trick-or-treaters were present.

The BMW was later found abandoned near St George's Bay, where Bartolo attempted to flee on foot but was quickly arrested. Police said the vehicle's owner had been sitting in the passenger seat.

Bartolo's lawyer told the court that this was the first time the teenager had driven a car and that he was still learning.

Magistrate Charmaine Galea warned Bartolo that the offences could result in both imprisonment and a fine. He was remanded in custody until sentencing.

Photo: PBS