Man on trial over deaths of two Irish women in Rome

An Italian man went on trial in Rome today accused of killing two Irish women in a hit-and-run accident.

Friedrich Vernarelli denies killing Mary Clare Collins and Elizabeth Gubbins at a pedestrian crossing in the centre of the Italian capital.

Collins, from Athy, Co. Kildare, and Gubbins, from Lisnagry in Co. Limerick, were in Rome on a short city break with two other friends and were returning to their hotel after celebrating St Patrick’s Day when the tragedy happened.

The accident happened at about 2am on March 18 as the pair were crossing a road. Both were killed instantly.

Vernarelli is charged with double manslaughter, drink-driving and failing to help the two women, according to Italian news agency Ansa.

It is alleged that the 32-year-old was four times over the drink-drive limit.

Today's hearing was largely devoted to technical matters, including the formal admission of evidence and witnesses.

Speaking affer leaving the court, Vernarelli said: “I am pleased the trial has finally started.

“In these last few months I have often thought that justice is a point of view, but all the same I hope that the truth will emerge. Then, when things are finally cleared up, I will say a few things.”

Asked whether he had heard from the victims’ families, he reportedly said: “I haven’t heard from them. The only contact has been the telegram I sent to the Irish Embassy the day after.”

A second hearing was scheduled for December 19, when witnesses are expected to give evidence. These will reportedly include the forensic scientist who conducted the post-mortem, Maria Rosaria Aromatario.

Among other witnesses expected to testify in the trial are two young Hungarian men said to have been with Vernarelli on the night of the incident, and Manuel Ruiz, an American who gave a statement to the judicial authorities of Los Angeles saying that Vernarelli was not the driver.