The man who is accused of causing the death of two men in an alleged drug-influenced traffic accident has been granted bail but banned from driving.

Karl Vella Petroni, 41, is being charged with causing the death of two men when he crashed into the motorcycle they had been riding on, allegedly whilst under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Vella Petroni had been behind the wheel of a Smart Fortwo when it collided with a Yamaha Crypton motorcycle in Triq ta’ Żejfa, Mosta at around 6am on Saturday 6th May.

The two victims, both from Pakistan aged 41 and 33, had been riding on the motorcycle. One of them was certified dead at the scene, with the other succumbing to his injuries later in the hospital.

During the arraignment, a plea of not guilty was entered by Vella Petroni’s lawyer Charles Merceica.

The court upheld Vella Petroni’s request for bail and handed down a decree on Tuesday, which granted him bail under very strict conditions. He would be in close contact with a probation officer, he would have a curfew between 9pm and 7am, he would have to daily sign a bail book, and take urine drug tests twice daily.

Lastly, he is not allowed to drive anywhere in any type of vehicle whilst the criminal proceedings are ongoing.