Driver Granted Bail Over Marsa Hit-And-Run Which Left Pedestrian Grievously Injured

A 41-year-old man has been granted bail after pleading not guilty to a string of charges over an alleged hit-and-run in Marsa which left a pedestrian grievously injured. Justin Vella…

A 41-year-old man has been granted bail after pleading not guilty to a string of charges over an alleged hit-and-run in Marsa which left a pedestrian grievously injured.

Justin Vella is facing 12 charges, including grievously injuring the pedestrian, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, refusing a breathalyser test, committing several traffic violations and leaving the scene without assisting the victim as reported by Malta Today.

The incident occurred at around 10pm on 20th September on Triq Diċembru 13.

The court heard that Vella allegedly ran a red light before hitting a 41-year-old Bangladeshi pedestrian.

Prosecutors said eyewitnesses claimed the driver initially left the scene before later returning. He allegedly exited the vehicle, got back inside and sped away once again while police officers were already present.

The pedestrian was treated at the scene before being rushed to Mater Dei Hospital, where his injuries were certified as grievous.

Police investigations, aided by CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts, eventually led officers to a BMW parked in Marsaskala. Police said the vehicle had lost a side mirror during the collision, with the mirror recovered from the scene.

Vella was initially denied bail following his arraignment before Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech, with prosecutors citing concerns over the nature of the alleged incident and the possibility of evidence being tampered with before key witnesses testified.

However, on Wednesday, Judge Neville Camilleri granted Vella bail against a €5,000 deposit and €10,000 personal guarantee.

He was also placed under a daily curfew and ordered to sign the police bail book every day.

Inspector Clive Abela prosecuted, while lawyers Amadeus Cachia and Ishmael Psaila represented Vella. Lawyer Michele Cardinali appeared for the victim.

The case continues.

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