Motorist acquitted of manslaughter

A 29-year-old woman, who had been charged with the involuntary homicide of a Frenchman, who she allegedly ran over last year, was discharged yesterday after a magistrate ruled there was not enough evidence to indict her.

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

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

Magistrate Anthony Vella heard that Mr Castellano succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

Two eyewitnesses testified that Mr Castellano had been moving about on the road when he was hit, adding that he had mounted the pavement and then went back onto the street several times.

The witnesses also said that Ms Dimitri had been driving at a slow speed and tried to avoid hitting Mr Castellano. She drove onto the other lane but still failed to avoid hitting him who kept moving about.

After hearing the witnesses, the court ruled there was not enough evidence for Ms Dimitri to be indicted and, therefore, discharged her.

Police Inspector Alexander Grech prosecuted.

Lawyer Robert Abela was defence counsel.