The former head of the Security Service, Godfrey Scicluna, went to hospital to visit a 91-year-old man whom he hit while reversing his car in Paola, a court heard this morning.

He went to hospital the day after the accident and presented rosary beads to Raphael Lughermo, who had suffered serious injuries in the incident. He said the rosary beads had been given to him by the Pope.

The details emerged during the continuation of the compilation of evidence against Mr Scicluna, who stands charged with having caused involuntary harm to Mr Lughermo, who has since died of natural causes.

Mr Scicluna suspended himself from the service and has now been replaced.

A medical doctor, Veronica Attard, told the court that she had examined the victim at the hospital’s Casualty Department on June 2 and classified his injuries as grievous because he had a fracture around the eye and severe bruising. All the injuries were on the right side including the upper right arm.

Taking the witness stand, Ms Cassar, the victim's daughter said she was the person who took photos of her father at the hospital. The day after the accident the accused went to the hospital and handed her rosary beads which he said were given to him by the Pope. He identified himself as the person who was involved in the accident and told her that he had no marks on the car.

The case continues.