Cleared of causing motorcyclist's death

A Gozitan man was yesterday cleared of causing the death of a 16-year-old youth in a traffic accident in March 2001.

Koronato Cardona, 57, of Nadur, was charged with causing the death of Dusty Attard due to negligent driving or lack of adherence to traffic regulations.

The court noted that Cardona was driving in Triq il-Qiegha, situated at right angles with Triq San Blas, Nadur, when a Honda 250 bike driven by Attard crashed into his Mini. Attard died of head wounds later in hospital.

The court-appointed expert, Joseph Zammit, noted that the Mini had several dents on the back and right hand side and excluded the accident could have been caused by any fault or defect that existed before the accident.

Cardona had testified that he turned into Triq il-Qiegha and suddenly heard a crash and saw the motorbike and its driver on the ground next to the car.

The defence argued that the victim, who was driving too fast, had caused the accident. But the prosecution argued the accused could have avoided it.

After considering all the evidence, the court said the accused was already in Triq il-Qiegha and had the right of way.

The victim came from San Blas Road and left extensive brake marks on the wrong side of this road before crashing into Cardona's car. It was most probable that the victim was trying to overtake Cardona, lost control and then crashed into the car after skidding, the court said.

Had the accused made a sudden wrong move, the accident would have taken place in San Blas Road.

Cardona was thus acquitted.

Inspector Maurice Curmi prosecuted.