Court hands suspended sentence to driver after fatal Gudja crash

The court has handed 66-year-old Mario Schembri a two-year prison sentence, suspended for four years, after he admitted causing the death of motorcyclist Steven Sargeant in a Gudja traffic accident.

The case involves an incident that occurred on 2 February 2022 in Triq Ħal Tarxien when Schembri was driving a Ford car. He faced charges of negligently causing Steven Sargeant’s death, driving without due care and attention, and causing damage to the victim’s motorcycle.

During proceedings held on 12 March 2026, the court confirmed that the admission was made freely and after Schembri had been warned of the legal consequences. He was also given the opportunity to reconsider his plea after consulting with his lawyer.

When determining the punishment, the court took into account that Mario Schembri had a practically clean criminal record, with his only previous offence dating back to 1978 and relating to a minor contravention. The court also considered his advanced age and noted that he did not appear to pose a threat to society.

Although the court acknowledged the seriousness of the offences, it concluded that an effective prison sentence would not be appropriate in the given circumstances.

Mario Schembri was therefore handed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for four years.

The court also prohibited him from possessing or applying for a driving licence for a period of three months.

Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo presided over the case.

 

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