Man run over and dragged more than 700 metres by his stolen van – murder trial live updates from court

A thief murdered a delivery driver after stealing his van and dragging him for more than 700 metres under the vehicle before fleeing the scene, a court has heard. The driver suffered catastrophic injuries and died 18 days later in hospital.

Christopher Eligari, 31, is accused of murdering Mark Lang, 54, who was struck by the defendant who had stolen his van while he was delivering a parcel. CCTV footage played during a trial at Cardiff Crown Court showed the moment of impact when Mr Lang became trapped under the vehicle, with members of Mr Lang's family in the public gallery visibly distressed and crying.

The defendant, of Cwrt y Esgydd, Aberdare, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and theft. He has pleaded not guilty to counts of murder and robbery. A trial at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday heard Mr Lang, a self-employed delivery driver of 15 years, was delivering parcels in Laytonia Avenue, near the Gabalfa flyover, at around 12.40pm on March 28.

He left his keys in the ignition of his van before getting out to deliver a parcel. Elgifari was seen running towards the van and jumping in before driving off at speed.

Opening the case, prosecutor David Elias KC said the street was a dead end, and Elgifari turned the vehicle around, colliding with a garden wall in the process. He then travelled back towards Mr Lang, who stood in the road waving his hands and wearing a high viz jacket.

Describing the moment of impact, Mr Elias said: "The defendant ran him down without deviating. Mr Lang was struck by the middle of the bonnet. He disappeared under the van. The defendant carried on driving without a thought for his victim."

Elgifari was said to continue driving the van for 700 metres, with Mr Lang trapped underneath the vehicle .