Driver jailed two years for running over twins, disqualified from driving for 10 years

The driver of a van which hit twin sisters in a hit and run accident in Attard just over a year ago, was this morning jailed for two years and disqualified from driving for 10 years, effective from when he completes his jail term.

Maximillian Ciantar had been charged with running over 11-year-old twin sisters near Attard school in April 2010.

In handing out judgement, Magistrate Doreen Clarke took into consideration various factors mainly that the accused was 20 on the day of accident and he had already been found guilty, eight times, of a number of crimes, the first of which when he was just 15.

The Court said it was aware that the accused had a drug problem, but, it said, he needed to act effectively to overcome this problem.

The court had acted in different ways with the accused over the years to try to help him, but it was clear that he had not taken up opportunities to reform.

He expected to do what he wanted and ignore rules and regulations, the Court said.

His earlier crimes, Magistrate Clarke noted, included another two instances where he was caught driving without a licence and insurance.

In all three instances, he had been driving the same van, which was registered in his father's name.

Because of this, the magistrate said, the jail time being imposed was closer to the maximum than the minimum.

The court also confiscated the van.

Sarah-Marie and Rebecca Falzon, were crossing the road on a zebra crossing after a meeting of the Christian Doctrine Society when they were hit by the van. One of the twins needed intensive care.