A 50-year-old Pole yesterday admitted to running over a 20-year-old motorcyclist in a hit-and-run incident on the coast road on Tuesday.

Wiezek Waldamar, a sailor living on a boat, told Magistrate Gabriella Vella he had "made two big mistakes": running over accounts student Kurt Caruana, and then leaving the scene after first checking to see whether Mr Caruana was OK.

He said he was very sorry for what he had done, turned to Mr Caruana, who was present in the courtroom, to apologise.

Mr Caruana said he had been driving down the hill on the Coast Road towards Buġibba when he saw Mr Waldamar's car in a side road close to the speed camera, near Splash and Fun. As he approached, the Kia Pride driven by Mr Waldamar came out of the side road and turned towards St Julians despite signage prohibiting a right turn.

He said he could not remember the speed at which he was driving but he suddenly found himself on the road. Mr Waldamar stopped his car and asked him whether he was OK. He told him to call the wardens but the accused left.

At this point , Mr Waldamar asked the magistrate to allow him to speak as he apologised for what had happened. He said he could recall not remaining on the scene but "does not know what had happened" subsequently.

Mr Waldamar pleaded guilty to seriously injuring Mr Caruana while driving dangerously and failing to stop at an accident.

In submissions on punishment, Police Inspector Kevin Farrugia said Mr Waldamar had fully cooperated with the police.

Legal aid lawyer Anthony Cutajar told the court his client had apologised and admitted at an early stage.

The court will pronounce judgment today.

Mr Waldamar was remanded in custody.