A man who caused the death of two elderly people in a horrific traffic accident in December 2009 was let off with a suspended jail term and a €4,000 fine by a court today.

The accident happened on December 12 at around 9.15 p.m. at the Erba Imwiezeb roundabout in St Paul's Bay when a Peugeot 407 being driven along the bypass road crashed into a Matiz car in which the elderly couple were travelling.

The Matiz was pushed about 15 metres with the force of impact and the Peugeot then crashed into a palm tree.

Patricia Mitchell died on the spot while her husband Barry died a few hours later in hospital.

Edward Bonnici of Naxxar, who was 18 at the time, was accused of the involuntary death of the couple though negligent driving.

The court heard how the road was in a good state and dry at the time of the accident and Mr Bonnici had not been drinking before the accident.

It was established from brake marks that the car was being driven at 137Km/h when it hit a centre strip just before the crash.

Mr Bonnici pleaded that the brakes had failed, but a court expert said they worked well. 

In its considerations, the court presided by Magistrate Josette Demicoli said this was a very serious case, but it was bound to impose the penalties allowed by law at the time of the incident.

After noting caselaw, the court also observed that the accused had lacked driving experience and he was truly sorry for what had happened, to the extent that he had refused to leave home for a long time.

The accused was therefore sentenced to two years imprisonment suspended for three years.

He was ordered to pay €4,210 in court costs and disqualified from holding a driving licence for two years.