Charge error reduces ‘reckless’ driver fine

A driver who failed to stop at a red light and ran over a man on a pedestrian crossing has been fined €232 and had her licence revoked for three months. In the judgment, Magistrate Audrey Demicoli noted how she was left to find guilt on the lesser charge of “causing slight injury” because the prosecution had failed to correct the charge to “causing serious injury”. The magistrate heard how Anna Ellul, 56, from Mosta was driving along Valletta Road in her hometown on May 2, 2008 at around 8am when she ran over Alex Azzopardi who was on a pedestrian crossing. Witnesses said Mr Azzopardi crossed the road when the traffic lights had turned red but Ms Ellul drove past them, hitting him. He suffered a broken left knee, cuts and bruises and had to wear a leg cast for 10 weeks, leaving him with a five per cent disability, according to a specialist who treated him in hospital. Testifying in the case, Ms Ellul said she was driving wearing her sunglasses and had even lowered the sun visor but the sun was directly in her eyes and the traffic lights were hidden by trees. She said that once she realised the lights had turned red she tried to stop her vehicle, but it was too late. Mr Azzopardi...