A young driver who allegedly hit and killed an elderly Briton while crossing the road at Qawra last month, had been warned by his father to drive slowly, a court was told today.

Mel Spiteri, 18 of Birkirkara, is accused of the involuntary homicide of 77-year-old Elizbaebth Tucknett Whilem on June 27. He is also accused of having driven without a licence and insurance, driven at speed and failing to stop after the accident.

Elisa Panzavecchia, who was in the car involved in the incident, was asked in court to confirm comments she had given to the police during investigations, that when she and her boyfriend got into the car, his father Victor Spiteri - president of the then Public Transport Association - noticed that he had taken the car keys and warned him to drive slowly.

Last week, Ms Panzavecchia had testified that Mr Spiteri's father had not known that he had taken the car. But she was warned in court by Magistrate Myriam Hayman today that her testimony contradicted what she had told the police, and lying under oath was a serious offence.

At this point Ms Panzavecchia confirmed what she had told the police, and burst into tears.

After the sitting the accused was granted bail after the prosecution declared that the most important witness had testified.

Bail was granted against a deposit of €2,500 and a personal guarantee of €10,000.

Police Inspector Michael Mallia noted that the accused is a speedboat operator and takes people on para-kiting trips.

He, however, does not have a licence to take people on board. He asked that the bail conditions provide that he does not work on the speedboat until the necessary information is given by Transport Malta.

The court accepted the prosecution's request.

Dr Franco Debono is defence counsel.