Keith Cassar, 24 from Birkirkara, today was given a suspended sentence after admitting he caused the death of Joseph Portelli in a car accident.

He was also accused of damaging another vehicle, driving under the influence and not taking the necessary precautions when overtaking vehicles.

The accident occurred on 26 March 2013, in Sta Venera. He was driving a BMW and caused 52-year-old Joseph Portelli, who was driving a Toyota Vitz, to swerve and crash into an aqueduct. Portelli was taken to hospital and died two days later.  

The Court considered that Mr Cassar had a drug problem at the time and that he is taking steps to remedy this. It also considered that the family would be content with a suspended sentence if the accused continued his rehabilitation.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Doreen Clarke considered that Mr Cassar admitted to the charges, and sentenced him to a two-year prison sentence suspended for four years, four years’ probation, and ordered his licensed revoked for a year.