A motorist was yesterday fined Lm3,000 for involuntarily causing the death of an 81-year-old pedestrian when he ran him over.

Magistrate Saviour Demicoli handed down judgment after he heard that although Mario Zammit, 36, had failed to keep a proper lookout and was partly responsible for the accident, the pedestrian should have never crossed the road the way he did.

The magistrate heard how on September 14, 2002, Angelo Borg was run over by Mr Zammit as he was crossing a road in Zebbug at about 10.15 a.m.

A court expert's report showed that Mr Borg had crossed a busy road, from right to left, which he should have never crossed. As Mr Zammit was driving, his vision was blocked by a car on his right hand side.

Although Mr Zammit had failed to keep a proper lookout he was not solely responsible for the accident as the victim himself had also played a part.

The magistrate fined Mr Zammit Lm3,000 and banned him from driving for 18 months.

Police Inspector Raymond D'Anastas prosecuted.