Enzo smash trial begins

[Plex]

The Swedish video games executive accused of destroying a Ferrari Enzo in a high-speed crash on California's Pacific Boulevard has gone on trial in Los Angeles.

Back in May, we did our best to unpick the mystery behind the million-dollar smash on the Californian highway. Since then, the scandal has deepened, and the story now resembles a far-fetched Hollywood blockbuster.

In February, Eriksson is alleged to have lost control of his Enzo at about 100mph while racing a Merc McLaren SLR. The Ferrari hit a telegraph pole and split in half, but the driver miraculously avoided any serious injury.

Eriksson initially told police that the car was being driven by a mystery man called Dietrich, but later admitted making up the story.

But the intrigue runs deeper. A month before the smash, Eriksson's games company Gizmondo was declared bankrupt with more than $200 million (�107m) in debt.

And Eriksson's crashed Ferrari, along with another Enzo and an SLR, were reported stolen by British banks because payments on a lease had ceased.

Eriksson already has convictions in Sweden for assault, forgery and fraud, and has served time in prison. He is charged with car theft, embezzlement and drunken driving.

He also faces a charge of illegal weapons possession and could face 11 years in prison if convicted.

Source: http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/1243/