Magistrate finds no evidence against driver in fatal traffic accident

A magistrate today discharged a 29-year-old woman who had been accused of the involuntary homicide of a Frenchman who died after a traffic accident last year. Magistrate Anthony Vella said during compilation proceedings that there was insufficient evidence to indict her.

Kelly Dimitri, from Marsascala, was charged with the involuntary homicide of Jean Philippe Castellano while she was driving through Santa Margerita Street in Cospicua on April 14, 2007 at 1 p.m.

She was also charged with driving recklessly and at an excessive speed.

Magistrate Vella heard how Mr Castellano had been crossing the road when he was hit by Ms Dimitri and succumbed to his injuries some time later in hospital.

Two eyewitnesses testified that Mr Castellano had been walking on the road when he was hit. The witnesses also said that Ms Dimitri had been driving at a slow speed and she tried to avoid Mr Castellano by driving onto another lane but could not avoid the accident as he was moving around.

Police Inspector Alexander Grech prosecuted.

Lawyer Robert Abela was defence counsel.