Expert testimony is underway in the Sassari courtroom in the case against 52-year-old Antonio Nieddu, accused of attempted murder. On May 25, 2024, in the Sassari town of Zinziodda, the man, while driving his truck, smashed down the gate of the home of 57-year-old Giovanni Antonio Gaias, who was then run over.
The exact circumstances that led to the victim's collision, and the 45-day prognosis for his injuries, were discussed yesterday at the hearing before a panel presided over by Giancosimo Mura, with Monia Adami and Sara Pelicci on his side. The expert appointed by the court, engineer Marco Antonio Pes, reported on the incident, and stated that the dynamics were consistent with the prosecution's case. After crashing through the gate, the defendant apparently traveled along the entrance, which is on a slight slope, at a speed of approximately 40 km/h. From there, a tire track of approximately 2.6 m was recorded, the collision with the curb of the driveway, and the impact with Gaias, who was struck by the side of the vehicle, causing him to fall.
Swerving or braking, the two possible factors behind the collision, are already under investigation, along with whether the collision was intentional or not. The cracked window of the truck is also under investigation, attributed partly to the victim's alleged blows with a stick and partly to a collision with some trees at the entrance. A neighbor who intervened immediately after the incident also testified at the hearing. The 57-year-old, represented by attorney Sabina Useli, reportedly suffered a series of injuries, causing partial disability and rendering him unfit for work. Meanwhile, the defense, represented by attorney Alessandra Delrio, has reserved the right to a scientific hearing by its own expert. The next hearing, which will also include the defendant, is scheduled for October.