Pensioner killed on pedestrian crossing when speeding driver accelerated through junction, jury told

A pensioner was knocked down and killed on a pedestrian crossing when a speeding driver accelerated through a junction, a jury was told. Abdelkader Dhrif, 70, died from his injuries after the collision on the A580 East Lancashire Road in Worsley, Salford.

A court heard Mr Dhrif, from Boothstown in Salford, was 'within the confines' of the pedestrian crossing at the road's junction with Ellenbrook Road and Newearth Road, but the traffic light crossing signals were on 'red for pedestrians and green for motorists'.

Ben Trigger, 30, of Merton Grove, Astley, Wigan, has gone on trial at Manchester Crown Court accused of causing death by dangerous driving. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Opening the case to the jury today Peter Cadwallader, prosecuting, said the collision happened at around 3.30pm on November 20, 2019. It was daylight and the weather was fine, he said. Mr Trigger was driving his Ford Ranger 'pick-up' westbound towards Liverpool at the time, jurors heard.

Mr Dhrif, who was crossing with his dog, had reached a point in the outside lane of the carriageway, and Mr Cadwallader said there was evidence that he was running at some point, 'probably to get to the central reservation in safety'. The prosecutor said he may have 'misjudged' the speed Mr Trigger was driving at, which he described as 'excessive'.

"In any event by that stage it was too late for the defendant and Mr Dhrif to avoid the collision," Mr Cadwallader said. The area of the East Lancashire Road has a 40mph speed limit.

Jurors were told Mr Trigger's vehicle was fitted with a computer system as part of is 'infotainment' unit and through it, it was 'possible to track the defendant's journey and his speed, with room for error limited to one