A man who rammed a BMW belonging to his long-time friend after he was denied a lift home from Gianpula was today ordered to carry out 60 hours of community work.
Jurgen Schembri, 22, from Pieta', pleaded guilty to causing almost €6,500 worth of damage to the car early on Sunday last week.
Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit handed down her judgment after hearing Clifton Demanuele saying he was forgiving his friend for the damage he had caused to his car. He told the court that he had reached an agreement with Mr Schembri and his father to sell the damaged car as it was beyond economical repair.
He told the magistrate that he was with Mr Schembri for a night out at Gianpula when he needed to leave urgently to take a friend to the health centre. He could not find Mr Schembri and left and then went to tell the friend's parents about what had happened to their daughter.
He said that while he was there, Mr Schembri arrived and started threatening him with a butter knife. He ignored him and walked off but shortly after Mr Schembri reversed his father's van into his BMW and then turned the vehicle around and drove straight into the car, damaging it further.
Mr Demanuele said Mr Schembri was drunk "and out of his mind". He said they have been friends for around 10 years.
"He thought I left him stranded at Gianpula and that I had left him there purposely. He would not listen to my explanations. He was very angry that I had left him there," Mr Demanuele said.
Car surveyor Natalino Agius testified that the BMW three series had damage at the front and back, a smashed windscreen and dents throughout, including on its roof. The cost to repair was €6,385, he said.
Magistrate Stafrace Zammit found Mr Schembri guilty of voluntary damage, dangerous driving, driving without a valid licence or insurance cover, swearing in public, breaching the peace, the possession of a sharp and pointed instrument without a police licence, disobeying police orders and threatening Mr Demanuele.
She ordered him to carry out 60 hours of community work after considering that it was a one-off incident.
Police Inspector Elliot Magro prosecuted. Lawyer Leontine Calleja was the defence counsel.