A Saudi Arabian engineer is on trial for driving a Maserati over the Spanish Steps in Rome at night and damaging one of the world’s most famous landmarks. An investigating judge in Rome has decided this on Tuesday, Italian media report.
The 38-year-old, who rented the Maserati in May 2022, was identified through video surveillance footage. The incident was captured by video cameras. Supported by passersby, the driver was able to descend the stairs and drive away, media reports show. He was caught shortly afterwards at Milan’s Malpensa airport.
Lenker claims to have only tracked GPS
The engineer explained that he followed his GPS and accidentally stumbled up the stairs. This was also confirmed by a Romanian woman who was in the car with him. He is accused of damaging a cultural asset, which carries a prison sentence of two to five years in Italy. The Municipality of Rome will act as civil plaintiff. The damage was estimated at around 50,000 euros.
The 18th century staircase by the architect Francesco De Sanctis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cars have driven down the stairs several times. In 2018, a driver lost control of his car, and in 2007, a drunk drove down the baroque steps. How to better protect it has long been discussed – a road not closed to traffic leads along the upper part.
Source: Krone
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