Driver sentenced to six years in prison after fatal Marsh Green accident
The Family of Darryl Tomlinson are calling for improved emergency services response
Last updated 24th Jun 2026
The driver involved in a fatal accident in Marsh Green that claimed the life of Darryl Tomlinson has been sentenced to six years in prison, and has been disqaulified from driving for eight years.
Megan Murphy received the sentence at Bolton Crown Court following charges of causing death by dangerous driving.
The accident resulted in the tragic passing of Darryl, known to many as Daz, last year, leaving his parents, Tommy and Michelle, devastated and with ongoing concerns about emergency response procedures.
On Thursday 9 January 2025, Megan Murphy got into her car at 5:47am on an icy winter morning and reversed from an alleyway onto Pembroke Road, Wigan, positioning her vehicle facing against the direction of the one-way street.
CCTV footage shows that Murphy’s windscreen and windows were visibly frozen, significantly obstructing her view of the road. As Murphy began to drive forward, she was unable to see Darryl Tomlinson lying in the road, who has collapsed hours earlier.
Two witnesses observed her driving towards Darryl. One witness ran towards Murphy’s vehicle, shouting “stop” and “go back,” while another sounded their car horn in an attempt to alert her.
Murphy brought her vehicle to a stop just inches from Darryl; however, due to the poor visibility caused by the frozen windows, she was unable to see what the witnesses were indicating.
She then drove forward, passing over Darryl, and moments later reversed back over him. She then proceeded forward causing the front wheel of her vehicle to travel over Darryl again. Darryl became trapped beneath the driver’s side of the car.
A witness contacted the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), who alerted police to attend the scene.
Meanwhile Murphy also called a friend in this time to ask for help she said "I've ran him over but it's a smackhead"
Murphy also attempted to defrost her car windows while Darryl remained trapped underneath, but this was unsuccessful.
Despite the sentencing, Darryl's family remains troubled by the handling of emergency services during the incident.
In the initial response, the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) dispatched the ambulance to the incorrect location, causing delays in assistance.
Emergency responders eventually left the scene after failing to locate Darryl, who was struck by a car shortly thereafter.
NWAS completed an investigation acknowledging the errors made by their call handler, including failing to provide CPR instructions and not performing a call back after the initial mistake.
The ambulance service has since issued an apology for their shortcomings.
"We are sorry for the mistakes made in managing the 999 call about Darryl," a spokesperson for NWAS said.
"We deeply regret the shortcomings in our response and have been transparent with Darryl’s family throughout this process.
We are committed to taking action to prevent such incidents from happening again."
Detective Constable Carl Boydell from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “This was a truly tragic and entirely avoidable incident that has resulted in the devastating loss of a life.
"Our thoughts remain firmly with Darryl’s family and loved ones as they continue to come to terms with what has happened.
"This outcome reflects just how seriously the courts treat dangerous driving. Motorists have a responsibility to always follow the rules of the road and to ensure their vehicle is safe before setting off.
"Even in cold weather, taking the time to properly clear windows and ensure full visibility is essential. If you cannot see clearly, you cannot drive safely.”
Tommy and Michelle Tomlinson continue to seek improvements to systemic procedures within emergency services, aiming for a future where such errors are eradicated.