A driver whose negligent driving led to a collision in which a motorbike rider was partially disabled has been ordered to pay the victim €45,000 in damages.

Joseph Galea, 26, and Mapfre Middlesea plc were sued by Melvin Grech, 37, after the latter suffered a five per cent permanent disability following the November 2013 accident.

The court, presided by Mr Justice Lawrence Mintoff, heard how Mr Galea was driving his Skoda Octavia in Swieqi when he crashed into the Peugeot motorbike driven by Mr Grech.

Upon impact, the motorcycle was thrown onto the opposite side of the road, while its driver was flung onto the bonnet of the Skoda before ending up on the road.

As a result of the accident, Mr Grech suffered fractures in his spine which caused him a partial and permanent disability.

The court observed that the accident had been caused by Mr Galea's negligence and failure to observe traffic regulations. Consequently, the court declared Mr Galea responsible for the accident and condemned the defendants to pay damages amounting to €45,411.68.