Mario Gatt, 36 of Zurrieq was granted bail today after being taken to court and accused of the involuntary homicide of Rainer Mader in a traffic accident in Sliema on Monday.

During initial arguments  the defence said he had suffered a blackout.

Mr Gatt, a bank employee was driving a black VW Golf which crashed into a car near Bisazza Street before hitting the German tourist, pinning him against a pick-up truck. The car stopped briefly but was then driven on before stopping further down Tower Road, where Mr Gatt was arrested.

Mr Gatt was also accused of damaging two cars, dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and possession of cannabis resin.

He  pleaded not guilty.

Defence lawyer Joe Giglio said police investigations confirmed Mr Gatt was not driving under the influence of drugs, as had been stated in certain sections of the press.

He said Mr Gatt suffered a condition which could cause blackouts that can last between three and five seconds and medication to treat it had been increased on January 6.

In submissions, Dr Giglio said the accused was never informed that his condition precluded him from driving but said it may be the right time for Transport Malta to reconsider the conditions attached to driving licences.

Dr Giglio also said it was a pity the police prosecuting officer only had 48 hours to conclude his investigation, which did not give him enough time to look into Mr Gatt's medical file.

The prosecution did not object to bail since civilian witnesses had already been spoken to and the accused did not know them.

Magistrate Marseann Farrugia granted bail against a guarantee of €20,000. Mr Gatt's father would act as guarantor.

The court did not request a deposit but Mr Gatt was precluded from driving any vehicle, barred from leaving the island and ordered to report every Monday to the Sliema police station.

Dr Giglio and Quentin Tanti appeared for the accused and police inspector Jason Sultana prosecuted.