Man jailed for murdering pedestrian in Accrington hit-and-run

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 19 Oct, 13:02 · Archive

Muhammad Haarith was sentenced to a minimum of 16 years and five days for driving into Matthew Weller in Accrington town centre.

Muhammad Haarith drove into Matthew Weller in Accrington town centre just after 22:00 on 22 April. Weller fell to the ground and was run over by the front wheels of the car before being dragged underneath the vehicle and into Birch Street, where the rear wheels ran over him. He died from his injuries shortly after 01:00 on 23 April.

Haarith, 23, of Exchange Street, Accrington, admitted manslaughter but denied murder. He was convicted at Preston Crown Court on Friday and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years and five days. Judge Robert Altham described Weller's death as 'terrifying, agonising and wholly avoidable'. The trial heard that after striking Weller, Haarith fled the scene, destroying his phone and hiding his car to cover his tracks.

Weller's family said he had lost his life in a 'violent and undignified way' due to decisions made by Haarith that night. They noted that Weller had vulnerabilities that made him particularly exposed to harm.

How it is being reported

• Man jailed for hit-and-run murder in town centreMuhammad Haarith struck Matthew Weller in Accrington, before hiding the car and destroying his phone.BBC Lancashire · 19 Oct, 12:26
• LIVE updates as murderer Muhammad Haarith sentenced for killing Matthew WellerLive updates from Preston Crown Court as murderer Muhammad Haarith is sentenced for killing Matthew Weller in Accrington.Lancashire Telegraph · 19 Oct, 10:15
• LIVE updates as murderer Muhammad Haarith sentenced to 16 years and 5 daysLive updates from Preston Crown Court as murderer Muhammad Haarith is sentenced for killing Matthew Weller in Accrington.Lancashire Telegraph · 19 Oct, 10:15

In this story: Muhammad Haarith · Matthew Weller · Accrington · Preston Crown Court · Judge Robert Altham

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