The Court of Magistrates has cleared a woman of driving carelessly when she ran over a man in Mosta.

The incident took place on 18 November 2004, when Beatriz Zarb, 25, from Xemxija, was driving along Constitution Street and hit a pedestrian, Marco Micallef, who was crossing the street.

The court ruled that Ms Zarb was not guilty of driving with negligence and that the pedestrian was the sole person responsible in this case.

Mr Micallef himself, who testified in court, said that on the day of the accident, he passed between two parked cars before attempting to cross the road. He also tried doing so quickly and had not made use of a zebra crossing close-by.

The pedestrian had lost consciousness and suffered serious injuries and partial permanent disfigurement to his body, namely his right foot.

An eyewitness who was present at the time of the accident told the court that Ms Zarb had emerged from the car in a state of panic and anxiety. The eyewitness also said the woman was driving slowly along Constitution Street.

The court ruled the pedestrian was the sole person responsible for the accident and cleared Ms Zarb of the charges brought against her.

Magistrate Saviour Demicoli presided over the court.

Police Inspector Raymond Cassar prosecuted.