ITALIAN FRIEDRICH Vernarelli has been allowed out of jail on bail on the condition he stay at home while awaiting trial over the killing of two Irish pedestrians in Rome.
Vernarelli has been in jail in Rome for six months. Elizabeth Gubbins (27), Lisnagry, Co Limerick, and Mary Collins (28), Athy, Co Kildare, were killed as they crossed a road in downtown Rome after a night celebrating St Patrick’s Day.
The car was owned by Vernarelli. Judge Andrea Mosca said so much time had passed since the incident that it was reasonable that Vernarelli should be allowed home.
Vernarelli’s father Roberto, a former mayor and a former police chief, said after news of his son’s temporary release that he was delighted with the decision: “I am very happy I can have my child back home. He was in jail for six months and he is innocent. I want to stay with him, I want to support him, I am delighted with this result.”
Vernarelli, who it is accepted was drunk at the time, is to argue he was not driving the car when the incident happened.