Two brothers who filmed themselves driving recklessly through Malta's streets have been granted bail after admitting to the charges

David Adrian Lelonek, 41, is facing charges of reckless driving, the distribution of videos showing people in breach of the Traffic Regulations Ordinance, and driving a vehicle without being covered by third-party insurance, among other traffic violation charges.

The co-accused, Arthur Martin Lelonek, 39, is only being charged with the distribution of the footage. 

The two admitted guilty to all charges. 

In a request for bail, a long-time friend of the brothers took the witness stand, offering to host the accused.

The witness, who has resided in Malta for three years, said he lives in a three-bedroom apartment and has known the brothers for a decade. When questioned on his tenancy, he confirmed that his lease agreement does not prohibit him from hosting guests.

The prosecution objected to the request for bail, despite the accused entering a guilty plea.

While acknowledging that the risk of tampering with evidence has been mitigated by the plea, the inspectors emphasised the "malicious nature" of the driving offences. The court heard that the defendants ignored traffic signs and endangered pedestrians, acts described by the prosecution as a blatant disregard for the laws of a "civilised country."

The prosecution argued that the accused may have incited others to perform similar dangerous manoeuvres by sharing the footage online. Highlighting a significant flight risk, the court was informed that the brothers are not Maltese residents, having arrived on 7 May with a return flight to Germany booked for 14 May. 

Prosecutors also raised concerns over their temporary accommodation, noting that once the short-term lease expires, the court would have no oversight of their whereabouts. 

In response, the defence argued that the brothers would be unable to drive if released, as their identification documents have been exhibited in court. He also maintained that they cannot leave the islands, as their passports remain in Germany and their primary identification is currently in the court's possession.

The court granted bail, noting the necessity of striking a balance between the rights of the accused and the broader interests of society.

The court imposed a series of stringent conditions, including a daily requirement to sign the bail book at a police station between 1pm and 4pm. Furthermore, both men were placed under a strict curfew, ordered to remain indoors between 8pm and 7am, and a deposit of €5,000 and a personal guarantee of €30,000 each. 

The court also ordered that the men be confined to their residence for a 24-hour period on 14 May and were further prohibited from operating any form of vehicle for the duration of the proceedings.

The case is set to continue on 17 July, where a probation officer will testify regarding a report. 

Duty Magistrate Ingrid Bianco presided. 

Inspectors Clive Abela and Nathan Bugeja prosecuted. 

Lawyers Kris Busietta, Jason Azzopardi, and Alessandro Farrugia represented the accused.