A young unlicensed motorist who crashed his mother's car head-on into another vehicle, almost killing another man, has been ordered to pay €34,000 in compensation.

Samuel Mamo was sued by Gianluca Vassallo following the accident in Naxxar on August 16, 2014.

Mamo was 17 years old at the time and was driving home from Paceville.

Vassallo, 23, had been driving a van carrying equipment from a Ħamrun Scouts camp.

Vassallo explained in court that the Pajero was being driven at high speed by Mamo, had missed a corner, swerved into the opposite lane and crashed head-on into his van. It subsequently also crashed into another car behind him.

Vassallo was initially trapped in his vehicle, and on being taken to hospital was found to be in critical condition.

He sustained a number of fractures, particularly around the pelvis, and the crash damaged his liver, a lung and kidneys. He suffered pain in his back and legs for many months and was unable to return to work as a stonework restorer. He found a job as a deliveryman in May 2015 but is still occasionally in pain.

He said his life had been drastically impacted since he was forced to change his job. Since he suffered an 8% permanent disability, he could not follow his pastimes including playing the drum in the scouts band, and had to reduce physical activity.

In considering payment for damages and loss of earnings the court considered medical bills as well as social benefits received by Mr Vassallo.

It also considered that he had an expected working life up to age 65 and in 2014 had expected a net income of €10,462 per annum. 

Mr Mamo was therefore ordered to pay €34,872.

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