Driver Ran Over Collapsed Man Twice
Megan Murphy, 26, a personal trainer, drove over Darryl Tomlinson, 31, twice after he collapsed in the road, then referred to him as a 'smackhead'. The incident occurred on January 9, 2025, in Marsh Green, Wigan. Murphy had failed to properly defrost her windscreen before driving the wrong way down a one-way street.
Details of the Incident
At around 5:48 am, Murphy pulled out onto Pembroke Road in her Citroen DS3. CCTV footage shows her headlights illuminating Mr Tomlinson lying in the road. She drove forward, briefly stopped in front of him, then drove over him. She reversed over his body and drove over him again. Bystanders were waving their arms and shouting, and a taxi driver sounded his horn. During a 999 call, Murphy said, 'I didn't see him.' Three minutes later, she told a friend she had 'reversed over him' and called him a 'smackhead'.
Background and Prior Behavior
Murphy had developed a habit of reversing out of an access lane and driving the wrong way down one-way Pembroke Road to save time. Neighbors had witnessed this maneuver over the course of a year. Rob Hall, presenting the facts, stated, 'It would seem she ignored the rules of the road to save herself time.'
Victim's Final Hours
Mr Tomlinson had been drinking with friends, watching football, and later purchased more alcohol. He left a friend's flat around 3:19 am and stumbled along the street before collapsing. He made two calls to friends, leaving a voicemail asking for help. A neighbor found him at 4:40 am, describing him as 'incoherent' and 'unresponsive.' His partner called an ambulance at 5:05 am.
Emergency Services Failure
Rob Hall noted, 'In an awful twist of fate, the North West Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Police could not find the patient and never attended the scene.' An inquiry into the emergency services' conduct is ongoing. The address provided to both agencies was incorrect, leading them to the wrong location.
Murphy's Actions After Collision
Murphy attempted to clear her windscreen for only a few seconds at 5:44 am. Hall said, 'It was woefully inadequate. When she reversed, she had practically no outward visibility.' After the collision, she walked away to call a friend, saying she had reversed over him and calling him a 'smackhead.' A friend urged her to defrost her windscreen properly, warning she would 'get f***ed' because the man was 'already on the floor.'
Victim's Family Statements
Mr Tomlinson's mother, Michelle, said in a statement: 'He would do anything for anybody. Since the day I lost my son, it changed all our lives. If Megan Murphy had seen him or if the ambulance had done their job properly, then Darryl would still be here.' His father, Paul, added: 'I hold the ambulance service accountable for not finding him - but I hold the girl accountable for taking his life.' His brother, Lee, said: '[Murphy] has shown me and everyone else what type of character she is.'
Sentencing
Murphy admitted causing death by dangerous driving. The proceedings were adjourned to June 24, 2026, when mitigation was heard before Judge Nicholas Clarke KC handed down her sentence. The Manchester Evening News contacted the North West Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Police for comment.
