A man who crashed in a minister's car and drove off was fined €200 and lost his licence for three months today.

Renald Hayman, 32 of Senglea, crashed into Transport Minister Joe Mizzi’s car on July 13.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera heard how Mr Hayman was racing in Triq Ix-Xatt tal-Kalkara at around 4.15pm  when he crashed into a car driven by the Transport Minister as he turned into the street where he lived.

Mr Mizzi told the police that as soon as he turned into the street, he saw two cars approaching at high speed, one on his lane and the other on the proper lane.

Instead of getting out of the car, Mr Hayman reversed and drove off.

The police told the court that Mr Hayman was found drinking at the Senglea Gunners Club. He admitted his involvement with the police but denied that he was racing. He said he had argued with his girlfriend and was angry. He said that as soon as he overtook the other car, he found the minister's Renault on his lane and could not avoid the collision. He also told police that he panicked and drove off.

The police said the car was registered on Mr Hayman's brother, Emanuel Bianchi, who at the time was in jail. The car was insured.

Police Inspector Robert Said Sarreo prosecuted while lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha appeared for the accused.