A drunk hit-and-run driver who injured three people in the space of a few minutes was yesterday fined €3,000 and banned from driving for a year.

He had to learn a lesson

George Camilleri, 23, from Attard was driving his Citroën C2 in St Andrew’s Road, St Julians at about 3 a.m. on Sunday when he ran into a couple, Analise Mizzi and Douglas Gauci.

Shortly afterwards, he hit 37-year-old Pricilla Seisun in Paceville Avenue, flinging her onto the door of a parked car.

Mr Camilleri admitted to driving dangerously, seriously injuring Ms Seisun, who suffered a cut to her forehead, and slightly injuring the couple who escaped with bruises. He also admitted to drink driving and leaving the scene of an accident.

Defence lawyer Steve Tonna Lowell tried to offer some justification by explaining that Mr Camilleri’s father, George, had recently passed away and his girlfriend had also left him.

He asked for his client to be conditionally discharged considering that the victims were not seriously hurt.

Magistrate Edwina Grima ruled out his suggestion and remarked that the accused also stood charged with relapsing. He had to learn a lesson and realise what he had done.

She was seconded by Police Inspector Luke Bonello who added that society should be shown that this type of behaviour was out of line.

Magistrate Grima however took into consideration Mr Camilleri’s early guilty plea and the fact that he was ready to pay the victims any damages.