Driver on trial over death

Dec 13 2006 Liverpool Daily Post

A SOUTHPORT motorist accused of causing a teenager's death by dangerous driving denied that he had been "charging along" when the accident happened.

A jury at Preston Crown Court has heard how a moped rider was killed on his way to work when his machine ended up under the wheels of Calvin Wright's 4 x 4 pickup.

Apprentice electrician Jonathan Hart, 17, of Harrington Road, Chorley, who attended Blackburn college, died at the scene of the accident in Leyland on a wet, dark January morning.

Wright, 20, of Fell View, Crossens, denies causing death by dangerous driving. He told police he didn't see the 49cc moped until it was too late.

The prosecution alleges that the standard of Wright's driving caused the tragedy.

In his evidence, Wright, who lives with his parents, said he was a bricklayer and was on his way to work at the time.

Wright admitted undertaking one vehicle when his tyres went on the pavement, and he also admitted overtaking cars before the accident.

He said the scooter darted out of nowhere. He his driving was below standard that day, and he had been "charging along."

The trial continues.