Megan Murphy, 26, repeatedly ran over a man and called him a 'smackhead' while he was still trapped under her car, a court has heard. The incident occurred in the early hours of January 9 last year near her former home in Marsh Green, Wigan.
Details of the Incident
Murphy had failed to properly defrost her windscreen before driving the wrong way down a one-way road. She struck Darryl Tomlinson, 31, a local man who had collapsed after an evening out drinking with friends. After hitting him, she continued driving over him multiple times.
According to the prosecution, Murphy then got out of her vehicle and, seeing Tomlinson under the car, called him a 'smackhead'. Tomlinson died from his injuries at the scene.
Court Proceedings
Murphy appeared at Manchester Crown Court, where she was charged with causing death by dangerous driving. The court heard that her windscreen was partially obscured by ice, impairing her vision. Witnesses reported that she was driving erratically and at excessive speed before the collision.
In a statement, Tomlinson's family described him as a 'loving son and brother' who would be deeply missed. They expressed shock at the defendant's callous remarks.
Legal Outcome
Murphy pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to six years in prison. Judge Patrick Field QC said her actions were 'appalling' and showed a 'complete lack of remorse'. He noted that her failure to clear her windscreen and subsequent dangerous driving directly led to Tomlinson's death.
Detective Sergeant John Davies of Greater Manchester Police said: 'Murphy's reckless actions cost a man his life. Her insult to the victim while he lay dying shows a shocking lack of humanity.'
