A 22-year-old Syrian national with no fixed address in Malta has been remanded in custody after being charged with dangerous and negligent driving, driving without a licence or insurance, and causing slight injuries to a woman.

Saud Faysal was arraigned on Thursday before Magistrate Yana Micallef Stafrace, who heard that the incident occurred in Triq Stiefnu Zerafa, Marsa. Police were informed of a collision involving a rented vehicle that struck another car, causing it to be pushed into several parked vehicles.

The driver of the rental car allegedly fled the scene, later parking the vehicle and leaving on foot. During a search of the car, police found a foreign mobile phone number, which assisted them in the investigation.

The accused was subsequently arrested after being identified through a photograph taken by the alleged victim of the collision. He was charged with causing slight injuries and with committing the offences during the operational period of a suspended sentence.

Faysal pleaded not guilty to the charges. The defence did not request bail, and the court ordered that he remain under arrest.

The prosecution in this case is being led by Inspector Sarah Kathleen Zerafa, while the accused is being represented by lawyer Matthew Xuereb.