A septuagenarian has been fined €1,000 by a court after being found guilty of injuring a cyclist due to negligent driving.

The incident took place in an incident in Gharb dating back to June last year.

The court heard how, Joseph Camilleri, 72,  from Kercem, was driving in Triq l-Gharb when he accidentally hit cyclist Marvic Mizzi, an athlete who competes in the national championships.  Apart from the extensive damages to his bike, Mr Mizzi suffered various facial injuries including several broken teeth.

In his decision, Magistrate Joe Mifsud urged for more prudence on the roads, especially to safeguard pedestrians and cyclists.

"It is pointless urging people to use alternative modes of transport like the bicycle if they are exposed to huge risks resulting from negligent driving," the court said.

The court also ordered the suspension of Mr Camilleri’s driving licence for eight days.