The nightmare of a 70-year-old Canadian driver whose wife was killed in a traffic accident in 2011 ended today when he was found not guilty of having caused the accident.

Guy Legendre, 70, of Quebec, was arraigned following the accident at Triq l-Infetti, near Mdina, on July 16, 2011. He was charged with the involuntary homicide of his 63-year-old wife Renée Pelland, seriously injuring two people, slightly injuring another, damaging his rented Chevrolet and damaging a BMW.

Magistrate Edwina Grima in handing down judgement today noted that court traffic expert Mario Buttigieg had explained that the BMW had invaded Mr Lecandre's carriageway and hit his car. The car then rebounded into another car.

The driver of the third car had also confirmed that version.

There was no doubt, the court said, that Mr Legendre had been driving diligently and with moderate speed on his side of the road and he could never be held responsible for the collision.

The court rejected a claim by the driver of the BMW, lawyer Clayton James Fenech, that the court expert had a conflict of interest because he used to work for the insurance company of the accused. The court said his report was faithful to what had happened and there was nothing to censure.

The police are expected to file an appeal.

Dr Fenech is facing separate charges.

Lawyers Stefano Filletti and Jennifer Shaw appeared for the accused.