The heirs of a man who was killed by a speeding car in Hal Far in March 2001 were awarded almost €43,000 in damages yesterday.

Madam Justice Jacqueline Padovani Grima, presiding over the First Hall of the Civil Court, found that Jonathan Mifsud was driving at excessive speed when he ran over George Portelli.

The court heard how Mr Portelli had gone to see cars on the runway at a show for car enthusiasts. Mr Mifsud had been driving at excessive speed and left 18-metre-long brake marks. Mr Portelli was tossed into the air and flung a distance of four metres upon impact. He suffered fractures to his spine and skull which led to his death in hospital later that day.

Mr Mifsud was arraigned in court on charges of dangerous driving at excessive speed and had admitted to the charges against him.

Madam Justice Padovani Grima ruled that Mr Mifsud had been driving at excessive speed, considering the locality and the circumstances of the case, and that Mr Portelli had not contributed to the accident by his negligence.

Having taken into consideration Mr Portelli’s income at the time of his death, the court awarded his family €42,635.17 in damages.