A 43-year-old motorist has been found not guilty of having caused a pedestrian's death through negligence.

Ludvic Bartolo had been accused of the involuntary death of Sara Farrugia, 15, on September 21, 2013.

She had been crossing the road near Cottonera sports centre with her six-year-old brother when they were hit by a Toyota Vitz driven by Mr Bartolo.

Ms Farrugia suffered fatal head injuries while her younger brother was slightly injured.  

Technical experts appointed by the court established that despite prosecution claims, the car's brakes were working efficiently. The car was not being driven at an excessive speed.

It was observed that the victims had been run over while crossing the road. There were traffic lights just 26 metres away.

The experts also found that a bus shelter and vegetation obstructed the driver's view.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli said no negligence or violation of traffic regulations had been shown.

On the other hand, the young victims had not used the traffic lights and crossed the road suddenly.

The motorist was therefore acquitted.  

Lawyers Franco Debono, Veronique Dalli, Andrew Saliba and Amadeus Cachia were defence counsel.