Daniel Artur Sobczak leaving court yesterday. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

A young man who almost died when his car plunged into the sea in Ta’ Xbiex yesterday pleaded guilty to driving dangerously and damaging two vehicles and two boats.

Daniel Artur Sobczak, a 20-year-old Pole, was driving his Hungarian friend’s grey Opel Astra at about 3.45am on March 15 along the Msida promenade towards Valletta when he lost control of the vehicle metres away from the popular Busy Bee coffee shop.

The car, bearing Hungarian licence plates, hit a parked Honda Jazz, tearing off its front bumper and damaging a mudguard and the right headlamp. It also hit a van before it toppled headfirst into the sea, hitting two boats in the process.

Neighbours called police as a passer-by jumped into the water to help Mr Sobczak out of the car.

A constable was at the scene shortly after and also assisted but an unconscious Mr Sobczak was only pulled out after Civil Protection Department personnel arrived.

He was resuscitated and spend four days in a coma before making a recovery in hospital.

Aided by his lawyer, Kenneth Grima, Mr Sobczak admitted causing €7,000 worth of damage and also driving dangerously and carelessly.

Standing in the dock wearing tracksuit trousers and a light blue hoody, Mr Sobczak spoke only to confirm his name, particulars and enter his plea.

Dr Grima said his client was ready to pay for the damage immediately and a friend arrived a few minutes into the proceedings with a cheque for €4,500 and a woman at the back of the courtroom handed over €2,500 in cash.

Magistrate Doreen Clarke took into consideration the early guilty plea, before fining Mr Sobczak €400 and banning him from driving for three months.