Woman acquitted of grievously injuring her mother

Josette Manuela Vassallo, 22 of Dingli, was acquitted of grievously injuring her 57-year-old mother in a traffic accident in 2011.

The case dates back to 18 July 2011 when at 10:30am the accused was involved in a car accident at Dingli. The Toyota Vitz hit an electricity pole, rebounded to the other side of the road and crashed into the side wall.

In the accident the youth's mother who was a passenger in the vehicle suffered grievous injuries. Court expert Mario Buttigieg explained how there were neither any brake marks, nor skid marks on site.

"The car was driven head on into the pole. The impact happened on the passenger's side, injuring the mother", he said.

Taking the witness stand, the injured mother told the court that they were driving to Dingli from Rabat. At that time she was suffering from a depression and was constantly falling asleep. She nodded off and woke up when the vehicle hit the pole. "I have nothing to testify against my daughter", she said.

The accused was also acquitted of negligent driving, driving at excessive speed, and damaging private property.

Magistrate Neville Camilleri acquitted the woman of all charges, stating the prosecution had failed to prove its case.

Inspector Kevin Farrugia prosecuted