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 on January 9 last year in Wigan, when Murphy drove over the 31-year-old man, reversed, and then drove over him again before calling him a 'smackhead.'
Details of the Incident
In the early hours of January 9, Murphy spent only a few seconds attempting to defrost her windscreen before driving the wrong way down a one-way street near her old address on Marsh Green, Wigan. Darryl Tomlinson, who lived nearby, had collapsed in the road after an evening of drinking with friends. Murphy drove over him, reversed, and drove over him again. Immediately after, she lied to police, claiming she did not see him, but later told a friend she had reversed over him.
The court heard that neighbours had called 999 after spotting Tomlinson, but due to an 'awful twist of fate,' neither police nor paramedics could locate him, and they never attended the scene. Tomlinson died in the street.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At Bolton Crown Court on June 24, Murphy pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. The Recorder of Bolton, Judge Nicholas Clarke KC, stated that CCTV footage showed Murphy attempting to defrost her windscreen for only three seconds, which was 'hopelessly inadequate.' He noted that the other windows remained opaque and the windscreen was still covered with thick ice, meaning she was 'driving blind.'
Judge Clarke emphasized that Murphy deliberately chose to drive without proper visibility and drove the wrong way down a one-way street, which was inherently dangerous.
Prosecutor Rob Hall explained that Murphy had a habit of reversing out of an access lane and driving the wrong way down one-way Pembroke Road to save time. On the night of the incident, Tomlinson had been drinking with friends and was seen on CCTV stumbling before falling in the road at around 3:19 am. He was wearing a black jacket with a fluffy hood and black trousers.
Despite attempts by a neighbour to help, emergency services were unable to find Tomlinson due to an incorrect address provided to both the ambulance service and police. An investigation into the emergency services' response is ongoing.
Murphy's Defense and Background
Murphy's defense lawyer, John Dove, described her as a 'hardworking and industrious individual' with a clean driving record. He stated that Murphy was 'devastated' by the situation and that she initially thought she had hit an animal. She later regretted calling Tomlinson a 'smackhead' and apologized for the comment made under stress.
Murphy had previously served in the army as a chef for six years and later pursued a career as a CrossFit athlete and personal trainer.
Impact and Aftermath
Detective Constable Carl Boydell from Greater Manchester Police'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.'
He added: '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.'
