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.
It is also alleged that the 32-year-old was four times over the drink-drive imit.
Ms Collins, from Athy, Co Kildare, and Ms 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.