Police stated in court that the individual who drove recklessly in the accident that occurred on Sunday night where two motorcycles collided on Sosun Magu and left two people with serious injuries had been stopped and fined four times this year for not having a valid license.
Maah Hassan, 21, Th. Dhiyamigili, Asseyri, who had been driving recklessly was apprehended and remanded for 15 days.
The Criminal Court's sentence after the remand states that the accident occurred due to Maah Hassan driving dangerously in a zigzag pattern at high speed. The sentence also reads that the police told the court that the two people on the other motorcycle sustained face and head injuries and had also undergone surgery.
While three people were injured in the accident, ADK Hospital has said the condition of the woman involved in the accident is serious.
The individual who is in serious condition is a 26 year old woman. While a 22 year old man has been injured as well, Maah Hassan was also injured in the accident, with a lighter sentence for him being requested.
However, he has stated that he does want a lawyer. Presiding judge Ibrahim Zihunee reminded Maah Hassan that anything he says without a lawyer present can be used against him and that he has a right to remain silent.
Sources state that the woman suffered significant damage to her facial bones and a craniotomy was done.
As per the new Land Transport Act that was ratified by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on 31st August and published in the Gazette, the penalty for driving dangerously or recklessly is a fine between MVR 25,000 and MVR 100,000 in accordance with the degree of the crime.
The act states that if the crime results in injury to another individual, the person who committed the crime will be penalized between MVR 100,000 and MVR 500,000.
Even if someone who commits such a crime is penalized via the Land Transport Act, they can also be criminally charged under the penal code.
Being penalized is not the only punishment such people may face under the Land Transport Act. According to Article 102 (e), those who are charged can also have their license voided between 5 to 10 years. The trial will rule whether the accused loses the right to have a license for that period of time.
Those who commit such a crime without a license will lose the right to apply for a license for that period of time.
After either the period when a license is voided or the right to apply for a license expires, they will only be given a license under certain requirements and after completing an awareness program from the relevant administration.
