Megan Murphy, a 26-year-old personal trainer and CrossFit athlete, has been sentenced to six years in prison for causing the death of Darryl Tomlinson by dangerous driving. The incident occurred in the early hours of January 9 last year on Pembroke Road in Marsh Green, Wigan.
Fatal Collision
Murphy spent only about three seconds attempting to defrost her windscreen before driving the wrong way down a one-way street. She then ran over Mr Tomlinson, reversed, and drove over him again. The 31-year-old victim had collapsed in the road after a night out drinking with friends.
In the aftermath, Murphy initially lied to police, claiming she did not see him, but later told a friend she had reversed over him. The court heard she callously referred to Mr Tomlinson as a 'smackhead' while he was trapped under her vehicle.
Emergency Response Failure
Neighbours had called 999 upon discovering Mr Tomlinson, but due to an error in recording the address, neither police nor paramedics could locate him. An independent inquiry into the emergency services' response is ongoing.
Sentencing Remarks
Passing sentence at Bolton Crown Court, the Recorder of Bolton, Judge Nicholas Clarke KC, told Murphy: 'CCTV footage records you for three seconds attempting to defrost your windscreen. This was hopelessly inadequate. You were driving blind. That is in and of itself dangerous. You deliberately chose to drive when you could not see properly. You deliberately drove the wrong way down a one-way street.'
Defence Mitigation
Defence solicitor John Dove described Murphy as a 'hard working and industrious individual' with a previously unblemished character and spotless driving record. He said she was 'devastated' and 'a broken woman' after the incident. Murphy had served six years in the army as a chef with the Royal Artillery before becoming a CrossFit athlete and personal trainer.
Dove explained that Murphy initially thought she had hit debris or an animal, and only later realized she had struck Mr Tomlinson. He said she regretted the comment about Mr Tomlinson and apologized for it.
Prosecution Details
Prosecutor Rob Hall revealed that Murphy had developed a habit of reversing from an access lane and driving the wrong way down Pembroke Road to save time. On the night of the incident, Mr Tomlinson had been drinking and likely taken cocaine and cannabis. He was found lying 'relatively central' in the roadway at around 3.19am.
CCTV showed Murphy's vehicle illuminating Mr Tomlinson at 5.48am. She paused in front of him before running him over, then reversed and drove over him again. Witnesses waved and shouted, and a taxi driver sounded his horn repeatedly.
Forensic Evidence
A forensics officer confirmed that visibility remained severely compromised despite Murphy's attempts to clear the windscreen. Mr Tomlinson was declared dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination revealed multiple bruises and abrasions, and the cause of death was recorded as chest injuries and acute alcohol toxicity.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Carl Boydell from GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: 'This was a truly tragic and entirely avoidable incident that has resulted in the devastating loss of a life. Our thoughts remain firmly with Darryl's family and loved ones as they continue to come to terms with what has happened.'
'This outcome reflects just how seriously the courts treat dangerous driving. Motorists have a responsibility to always follow the rules of the road and to ensure their vehicle is safe before setting off. Even in cold weather, taking the time to properly clear windows and ensure full visibility is essential. If you cannot see clearly, you cannot drive safely.'
