Dad who 'killed girlfriend in bin lorry smash asked stranger to call him taxi'

A dad accused of killing his girlfriend after smashing into a bin lorry asked a stranger to call him a taxi home, a trial heard.Kevin Marsh denies causing the death of Michelle Atherton, 47, by dangerous driving.The 43-year-old claims he lost control of his car when his partner “tried to grab hold of the steering wheel”.Michelle died following the head-on collision in St Helens, Merseyside, on July 5 last year.Marsh went on trial at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday.Prosecutor Arthur Gibson told the jury the refuse vehicle involved in the crash left the town depot at around 6.45am.The lorry crew travelled along Broad Oak Road, a 30mph street where the “surface was damp, if not wet, from earlier rainfall”, the court was told.As the truck approached the bend near to a junction, its driver noticed a white Ford Fiesta travelling in the opposite direction at an estimated speed of between 52mph and 54mph, Mr Gibson said.This car then “suddenly steered to the right” and veered into the lorry’s path, colliding “head-on” despite an “immediate correction back towards the left”.

Footage captured by the lorry’s dashcam was shown in court, reported the Liverpool Echo.Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.