Dangerous driver GUILTY of knocking down and killing pensioner, 70, as he accelerated through junction
04.04.2022 - 20:51
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A man has been found guilty of knocking down a pensioner and killing him on a pedestrian crossing as he accelerated through a junction. Abdelkader Dhrif, 70, died from his injuries after the collision on the A580 East Lancashire Road in Worsley, Salford.
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', Manchester Crown Court heard.
Jurors found Ben Trigger, 30, of Merton Grove, Astley, Wigan, guilty of causing his death by dangerous driving after two hours of deliberations. Trigger will be sentenced later in the year.
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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. Trigger was driving his Ford Ranger 'pick-up' westbound towards Liverpool at the time.
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 Trigger was driving at, which he described as 'excessive'.
Mr Dhrif’s beloved dog, Maisie, sadly died alongside him, his family have previously said.
"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 that