Justice Minister Owen Bonnici has been served with a formal letter demanding compensation for injuries which a man suffered in a traffic accident two years ago when the minister was driving his private car.

The Ministry of Justice said the person who was unfortunately injured in the incident is demanding compensation from the company with which Dr Bonnici is insured, as well as from Dr Bonnici personally.

It quoted the minister saying that that a few hours after the accident he had lodged a claim with the insurance company and the company had confirmed that he was completely covered and there was no issue over eventual payment to third parties, if needed.

It appeared, however, that, among other things, the assessment by the medical expert engaged by the insurance company did not tally with the assessment by the medical expert engaged by the injured person.

The minister pointed out that following the incident he had undergone court procedures and been acquitted of all charges.  

The accident happened on April 3, 2014 at about 9pm

Dr Bonnici was driving uphill on the bend just outside the Sta Venera tunnels when he crashed into a car which was stationary in what the Justice Ministry said was a dangerous spot. The owner of the car was outside the vehicle with another person.

With the force of impact their car was pushed forward, hitting the two. The owner suffered a fractured knee and was hospitalised for two days.