The driver of a car that smashed into a wall and electricity pole early on New Year's Day, killing a law student on the spot, was not driving slowly but neither was he driving at excessive speed, a friend who was injured in the crash told the court this morning. 

Miguel Camilleri, who suffered a fractured arm, two fractured ribs, a fractured pelvis, a punctured lung and a laceration in his bladder said he remembered almost nothing about the crash, except the "loud noise". 

He was testifying during the compilation of evidence against Terrence Tanti, 22, from San Ġwann, who stands charged with the involuntary homicide of 22-year-old law student Matthew Meilak.

The fatal crash happened at about 3.45am on new Year's Day in Rabat Road, Nadur, when five friends were returning home after attending a private party at a farmhouse. 

The car smashed into the wall at the second bend on the long road that leads to Victoria.

During this morning's sitting, it also emerged that the police found a container in the pocket of Mr Meilak's jacket "with around 30 white pills". Police Inspector Frank Tabone said a court expert had been appointed to analyse these pills to ascertain what they were. 

Mr Camilleri testified that he remembered very little of the crash, except the loud noise and that he found himself squatting behind the driver's seat. He also could not remember where he was sitting, except that he was sitting on the back seat. 

He explained that he had travelled to the party with a friend, Zak Abela, but travelled back home with Mr Tanti as Mr Abela had left the party early. 

"I only remember the sound of the crash. I don't know if it was the noise of the skidding or the actual crash. Do not remember much. He was not driving slowly but neither can i say he was driving at excessive speed," he said. 

Mr Camilleri confirmed on cross examination that he sustained injuries to the right side of his body, which corresponds to experts' conclusions that the first point of impact during the crash was the right side of the Peugeot 106, which was extensively damaged, so much so that the back wheel came off on impact. 

He said he did not even know there was a pole or that they crashed into a pole but learnt so from the media. 

Inspector Tabone said he did not interrogate Mr Tanti as soon as he was released from hospital because he was still under shock and he could still smell alcohol in his breath. A breathalyser test carried out at 11.20am gave a result of 13mg, when the legal alcohol limit is 35mg. Another breathalyser test carried out at 1.50pm confirmed that he was "clean" so he proceeded with the interrogation. He did not mention what he said in his statement but simply exhibited them in court as evidence. 

At the end of sitting, presiding Magistrate Audrey Demicoli ruled that there was enough evidence for Mr Tanti to be placed under a bill of indictment. 

The case continues next month. 

Police Inspectors Frank Tabone and Bernard Spiteri prosecuted. 

Lawyer Joe Giglio and legal procurator Quinton Tanti are appearing for Mr Tanti. Lawyer Daniela Mangion appeared parte civile for Mr Camilleri.