A 22-year-old man from San Gwann was this evening granted bail against a deposit of €1,000 and a personal guarantee of €5,000 after he pleaded not guilty to the involuntary homicide of Matthew Meilak during the first fatal car crash of the year.

Terrence Tanti was charged following the death of a 22-year-old law student who was catapulted from the car with the force of impact following the accident in Gozo. Another three people were in the car which crashed into a wall and an electricity pole in Nadur.

Mr Tanti pleaded not guilty to Mr Meilak’s involuntary homicide, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving dangerously and carelessly and also injuring Miguel Camilleri.

Police inspectors Frank Tabone and Bernard Spiteri prosecuted.