Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545002
5 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 20 MAY 2026 NEWS Man fined €6,500 for driving at 140km/h while being six times over legal alcohol limit A 41-year-old construction worker from Msida was fined €6,500 after admitting to flee- ing police at high speed dur- ing a car chase while being six times over the legal alcohol limit. Jesmond Portelli appeared in court charged with dangerous driving, drink-driving, disobey- ing police orders, possession of a pointed weapon without a licence, causing slight injuries during a fight, breaching the public peace and committing offences during the operative period of a probation order. On 17 May, police officers travelling along Aldo Moro Road noticed a vehicle ap- proaching at considerable speed from behind. Officers activated the patrol car's bea- con lights and signalled for the driver to stop. However, the accused kept driving away, reaching a speed of around 140km/h. A chase initially ensued, but officers eventually discontin- ued pursuit out of concern that the accused's driving could en- danger other road users and pedestrians. Police later traced the vehicle to the accused's residence after identifying the car's registered owner through the number plate. The court also heard that while driving, the accused made a hand gesture towards police officers. Portelli was subsequently ar- rested for dangerous driving and failing to obey police or- ders. Prosecutors further revealed that a breathalyser test showed an alcohol reading of 147.4g/l (micrograms) per 100ml of breath, six times the legal limit of 22g/l. The prosecution told the court that shortly before the chase, a commotion had broken out in Żabbar involving an argument between several people. CCTV footage confirmed that the same man involved in the Żabbar incident was the driver who later fled from police. The accused was identified as one of the men involved in the alter- cation. Portelli said he was run- ning away from the other per- son, which was said to explain why he failed to stop for police. Portelli admitted to the charg- es brought against him. The court, following his own admission, sentenced him to a €6,500 fine payable over a pe- riod of three years, disqualified him from holding a driving li- cence for one year, and ordered the confiscation of the pointed weapon. Inspectors Clive Abela and Conrad Falzon prosecuted, while lawyer Roberto Montalto appeared for the accused. Mag- istrate Tanya Sammut presided over the arraignment. MAYA GALEA mgalea@mediatoday.com.mt Transport Malta warns of scam message alleging traffic fines TRANSPORT Malta warned the public of a scam message being circulated alleging unpaid traffic fines, urging people to disregard the message and avoid opening any links. The messages claim the recip- ient has unpaid fines on their personal license, and that if 15 days pass without the fine being paid, they would be charged in court and money would be tak- en out automatically from their personal bank account. On Tuesday, Transport Malta confirmed that the relevant au- thorities are investigating the matter. EVA BRANNON ebrannon@mediatoday.com.mt Transport Malta confirmed that the relevant authorities are investigating the matter