The outgoing head of the Security Service, Godfrey Scicluna, was yesterday charged with causing involuntary harm to a 91-year-old pedestrian last summer.

Mr Scicluna, who was represented by lawyers Giannella de Marco and Michael Sciriha, pleaded not guilty.

Raphael Lughermo, from Paola, was hit as Mr Scicluna was reversing his car at about 1pm on June 2 in St Monica Street, in his hometown, suffering fractures and bruises.

Mr Lughermo died eight months after the incident, on February 23, from natural causes, on the same day that Mr Scicluna suspended himself after Police Commissioner John Rizzo informed him that criminal charges would be filed in court against him.

The agency Mr Scicluna headed is empowered to carry out phone and e-mail tapping if warranted by the Home Affairs Minister.

The agency was responsible for bringing to light the bribery scandal of disgraced Chief Justice Noel Arrigo and Judge Patrick Vella as well as the evidence that recently saw former Judge Ray Pace face charges of bribery.

In February, a spokesman for the Office of the Prime Minister said that “during his suspension, Mr Scicluna will be completely detached from the Security Service” when asked whether the Prime Minister would sack the former assistant police commissioner.

The post is currently filled by acting chief Francis Sciberras.