A police officer who crashed into a motorcycle killing the rider has been charged with involuntary homicide.

Jean-Claude Mangion, 20, from Qrendi, was driving to work just after 5am on January 10 last year when he was involved in a collision with Clive Brincat, 32, from Floriana who was on his Piaggio Runner. The accident happened in Triq il-Konvoy ta’ Santa Marija, in Mqabba.

Mr Brincat with his sister, Marilyn, at the beach in summer 2013.

The officer was charged with causing Mr Brincat’s death through negligence, damaging the motorcycle, driving his Peugeot 206 negligently and dangerously, speeding and committing a crime he was in duty bound to prevent.

Appearing before Magistrate Doreen Clarke, Mr Mangion pleaded not guilty.

Police Inspector Johann Fenech told the court the incident took place at about 5.10am on a day when Mr Mangion should have started work at 5am as he was due to do the first watch.

Mr Brincat was an avid Valletta supporter and as the news of his death spread like wild fire, tributes to the henna tattoo artist began to flow in.

“All he spoke about was Valletta. It was always on his mind,” his sister, Marilyn had told Times of Malta. Mr Brincat had even named his 12-year-old son, Oretan, after a Valletta football player.

The case continues in September.

Lawyer Albert Zerafa appeared for the accused.

Lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha appeared parte civile for the Brincat family.