The alcohol level in the blood of the 21-year-old being charged with the involuntary homicide of cyclist Cliff Micallef on July 30 was above the legal limit, a forensic scientist said today.

Testifying in the case against Anthony Taliana, who is pleading not guilty to involuntary homicide, drink driving, driving a car without insurance cover and relapsing, Godwin Sammut said that although a urine sample six hours after the accident showed 98 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine when the legal limit is 107 mg, based on scientific assumptions and calculations, Mr Taliana’s alcohol level in blood was above the legal 80mg per 100ml, which is the legal limit.

He said he based his calculations on the fact that Mr Taliana had admitted to drinking a dozen vodkas with coke before the accident.

Mr Taliana allegedly hit Mr Micallef 20 metres away from the entrance to the White Rocks Complex in Bahar ic-Caghaq. Mr Micallef died on impact.

The case continues in January.

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