Man denies causing motorcyclist’s death in fatal Coast Road crash

A 26-year-old man from Gzira was today charged in court with causing the death of a 37-year-old Italian motorcyclist during a traffic accident on the Coast Road in Bahar ic-Caghaq, in 2013.

Nicholas Schembri, a radiographer, pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Orazio Mannino, to driving negligently and to driving carelessly.

The incident occurred on the Coast Road at around 3pm on 27 May 2013, when the accused, who was driving a Peugeot 207, crashed into an oncoming Suzuki motorcycle driven by 37-year-old Italian Orazio Mannino.

The Italian died on impact, while his motorcycle shattered into several pieces with the force of impact.

Dr Alan Drago, who at the time of the incident was at the Emergency department, said the victim was already dead when he arrived at the hospital, and attempts to revive him proved futile.

He said that the victim had severe bruises around his stomach, fractures in his wrist as well as fractures to his legs.

Taking the witness stand, Maria Therese Camilleri Podesta and Ali Safraz, who both carried out the post mortem exam, said the victim died due to “multiple injuries following a motor vehicle accident.”

Inspector Josric Mifsud prosecuted while Lawyer Joe Giglio was defence counsel. Lawyer Tania Sciberras was parte civile.

 The case continues.