Man admits anger towards victim in fatal collision trial

Summarised from Lancashire Telegraph's report · Updated 14 Oct, 19:51 · Archive

A man accused of murder admitted he was angry with the victim before a fatal collision in Accrington.

Muhammad Haarith, 23, is accused of murdering Matthew Weller, 44, in Accrington town centre on 22 April. Haarith denies murder but has admitted manslaughter. On the third day of his trial at Preston Crown Court, Haarith gave evidence that he was angry with Mr Weller before the collision. He also told jurors he had previously wanted to see Mr Weller beaten up.

Haarith said Mr Weller appeared drunk and was speaking in a slurred manner when he stepped into the road in front of his Volkswagen Passat. Mr Weller then rubbed his buttocks on the bonnet of the vehicle. When asked how this made him feel, Haarith said he was 'more confused than anything else' but admitted he was also annoyed. He told the court he moved the car forward to encourage Mr Weller to get off it and out of the direction he wanted to travel.

Haarith said he later realised Mr Weller had gone underneath the vehicle when he felt the car rise up. He told the court he panicked and did not stop because he believed there was a risk the car was still on top of him. He also admitted abandoning the vehicle away from his home address, smashing his mobile phone, avoiding returning home and delaying handing himself in to police.

Read the report

• Murder accused's 'anger exploded' before he killed man with car, jury toldA prosecutor has told jurors a murder defendant's "anger exploded" before he deliberately drove over a man in Accrington town centreLancashire Telegraph · 15 Oct, 17:00
• Murder accused admitted anger and wanting victim beaten up, jury hearsA man accused of murdering Matthew Weller admitted he was angry with him before the fatal collision, a jury has heard.Lancashire Telegraph · 14 Oct, 17:15

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

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem