A 19-year-old British woman used her brother’s girlfriend's car without permission, and ended up involved in a collision, was fined €2,400 for driving without insurance cover.

Niamh Maria Murphy was also conditionally discharged for six months after the admitted to the charged brought against her this afternoon.

She was charged with driving the Diahatsu Sirion of her brother’s girlfriend - Josepha Tanti - without permission and without an insurance cover yesterday at about 3pm in Qawra.

She was also charged with driving recklessly and damaging the car.

Police Inspector Maurice Curmi explained that Ms Murphy used the car without permission and, while she was in Qawra, she was involved in an accident. Mr Murphy explained that a car drove into her while trying to overtake her.

In light of her guilty plea Magistrate Carol Peralta said that he was fining her the minimum prescribed by law for driving without insurance - €2,400.

He gave her a year to pay back the money and, since she had to leave the island today, Ms Tanti had offered to act as a guarantor.

"You are young but I hope that you will realise your responsibility. If you fail to pay, she [Ms Tanti] will have to pay on your behalf. It's not a question of honour, it's a question of duty. Is it very clear," he said at which point Mr Murphy nodded and he replied: "Buon voyage".

Noel Bianco was defence counsel.