A man convicted of drink driving was yesterday ordered to pay more than €73,000 in damages to his passenger who had suffered a permanent disability in a road accident.

Joseph Zammit and his son Paul sued Duncan Galea for damages.

Madam Justice Anna Felice, sitting in the First Hall of the Civil Court, heard that, in March 2001, Mr Zammit Jnr and Mr Galea went to Tattingers Club in Rabat where they both consumed alcohol. Mr Galea had driven the car back because Mr Zammit was drunk. The vehicle belonged to Mr Zammit Snr.

Mr Galea lost control of the car near Chadwick Lakes. It was certified to be a total loss and Mr Zammit Jnr suffered a permanent disability of 15 per cent.The court heard Mr Zammit Jnr testify that Mr Galea was also drunk when the accident occurred and this was confirmed by the Court of Criminal Appeal, which had found Mr Galea guilty of drink driving.

Madam Justice Felice ordered Mr Galea to pay €73,375.26 in damages to Mr Zammit Jnr and €5,853.72 to Mr Zammit Snr in compensation for the loss of his car.

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