A man accused of killing his best friend's girlfriend through dangerous driving had his name cleared by a jury this afternoon.

The Supreme Court trial of Donald Iain MacDonald had heard how he was riding a motorcycle with Anett Farkas as his passenger when, according to the prosecution, he turned across the path of an oncoming motorcycle.

Ms Farkas, 24, a Canadian who worked as a bartender at the Robin Hood pub, died from massive head injuries sustained in the collision on North Street, Pembroke, on September 5 2005.

Mr. MacDonald, 29, a Scotsman working as a waiter at the Henry VIII restaurant, denied causing her death by dangerous driving, telling the jury the collision was not his fault.

In evidence, he said he was attempting to turn into a parking space so he and Ms Farkas could go to the House of India for dinner, and did not see the bike ridden Vincent Hewey until it was upon him. He also claimed the other driver - who was aged 16 at the time - was speeding.

Mr. MacDonald's lawyer, Richard Horseman, alleged that Police failed to provide key pieces of evidence taking no measurements at the scene and failing to impound Mr. MacDonald's bike, which was stolen from the scene in the hours after the accident.

Mr. MacDonald was found not guilty by the unanimous verdict of the ten men and two women of the jury after they had deliberated for one hour and fifteen minutes.

* See tomorrow's Royal Gazette for the full story and reaction.