An impassioned speech in court by a 27-year-old motorist who blacked out on the road and collided with other vehicles earned him a reduced fine.

Nathan Ntalu slumped unconscious behind the wheel of his blue Hyundai and lost control of the car on South Road before swerving on to the opposite lane, striking two trucks.

Ntalu, from St George’s, pleaded guilty in Magistrates’ Court yesterday to driving without due care and attention and colliding with a white Isuzu Viking truck plus a white Nissan truck on June 12 this year.

The court heard how he fell unconscious after feeling tired then losing concentration before his vehicle veered into oncoming traffic at the junction of South Road and College Road in Paget just after 1.30pm.

Weather conditions were described as fair with good visibility, and the road surface was dry.

Ntalu’s car collided with the white Isuzu, which struck a crossing light before the driver managed to steer it into a bus layby.

Ntalu’s Hyundai slammed into a roadside wall on the eastbound side of South Road. The other vehicle, a white Nissan truck, colliding with it, triggering the truck’s airbags.

Prosecutor Khadija Beddeau told the court: “Police attended the scene shortly afterwards and observed extensive debris scattered across both lanes, including broken glass, plastic body panels and vehicle components.

“Due to the extent of the collision, South Road was temporarily closed in both directions to preserve the scene and ensure public safety.”

She added: “During inquiries by officers at the scene, Mr Ntalu admitted responsibility for the collision.

“During a formal witness statement, conducted under caution on June 19, 2026, he stated that he had been tired while driving, causing him to lose concentration and control of his vehicle, resulting in him crossing into the opposing lane and causing the collision. He had injuries to his chin.

“No evidence of alcohol or drug impairment was observed in relation to any of the drivers and all were found to be in possession of valid driver’s licences, vehicle licences and insurance.”

Ntalu told the court: “I sincerely regret this and I am deeply relieved no one was injured. I am grateful that to my understanding no one was hurt and I am pleading guilty because I caused this incident.”

Ntalu added of the circumstances: “I don’t remember what caused me to lose consciousness. I have never been involved in anything like this before.

“I had a clean driving licence before this with no serious accidents.

“This incident has been extremely difficult for me. Since the accident, I have taken the matter very seriously and got medical tests to determine if there was an underlying condition causing a loss of consciousness to help prevent it happening again.

“I deeply regret the stress I caused to the other drivers. This experience has had a serious impact on me.”

Magistrate Maria Sofianos said: “I am very impressed with your statement. There were no injuries apart from to your lower chin. You have appeared genuine, it does seem out of character and I am glad you are getting medical help.

“If you were simply tired then you have to be careful operating machinery. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries.

“The maximum fine is $1,000, but I am reducing that to $750. There are ten demerit points on your licence. If it goes over 12 then you could be disqualified, but I am not disqualifying you.

“Take care of yourself.”

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