Understand
Jury begins deliberations in trial of driver accused of murdering Matthew Weller
Overview
Jurors at Preston Crown Court have retired to consider the verdict in the trial of Muhammed Haarith, who admits the manslaughter of 44-year-old Matthew Weller. Weller died after being struck by a Volkswagen Passat driven by Haarith in Accrington town centre on 22 April. The jury must determine whether Haarith intended to kill or cause serious harm to Weller, elevating the charge to murder, following a four-day trial.
Key points
- Muhammed Haarith has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 44-year-old Matthew Weller.
- Weller was struck and dragged beneath a VW Passat in Accrington town centre after an incident on 22 April where he shouted at the driver and rubbed his bare buttocks on the car bonnet.
- The prosecution argues Haarith deliberately drove at Weller out of anger and subsequently showed calculation by destroying his phone and hiding the vehicle.
- The defence maintains that Haarith had no intention to kill or seriously injure Weller, arguing the incident constituted manslaughter rather than murder.
- Judge Robert Altham sent the jury out to deliberate following a four-day trial, with deliberations set to resume on Friday.