Drunk Taxi Driver Who Crashed into Santa Venera Hair Salon denied bail

The taxi driver who crashed into a Santa Venera hair salon while over the legal alcohol limit has been denied bail, the court heard.

Abdi Salaan Mahamad Abditon Ali, 42, recorded a breathalyser reading of 107.3 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml far above the zero limit for taxi drivers. The Somali national collided with Marica’s Salon on Cannon Road on 7 August, causing damage estimated between €10,000 and €15,000.

The court was informed that Ali had given a statement to police, explaining he was waiting for work when the accident occurred. The vehicle smashed through the exact spot where clients typically wait and pay for services. Fortunately, the salon was closed, and no injuries were reported.

CCTV footage reportedly shows the car crashing into the front of the shop, shattering the glass and lodging almost half the vehicle inside the premises.

Ali faces charges of dangerous and negligent driving, driving under the influence, and causing damage to third-party property. He denies all charges.

#MaltaDaily