The court heard that shortly before 6am on 9 January 2025, Murphy reversed from an alleyway onto Pembroke Road in Wigan, leaving her car facing against the direction of a one-way street. CCTV footage showed her windscreen and windows were heavily frozen, severely restricting her view.
As she drove forward, Murphy failed to see Mr Tomlinson, who had collapsed in the road several hours earlier. Witnesses desperately tried to warn her by shouting and sounding their car horn, but she stopped only inches from him before driving over him. She then reversed back over him before moving forward again, leaving him trapped beneath her vehicle.
While emergency services were called, the court heard Murphy telephoned a friend, telling them: “I’ve ran him over but it’s a smackhead.”
Police officers used a witness’s car jack to free Mr Tomlinson before attempting CPR. Despite the efforts of officers and paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene at around 6.21am.
Investigators also discovered Murphy had been driving the wrong way along the same one-way street on two previous occasions in the days leading up to the collision.
During sentencing, Darryl’s family spoke of the devastating impact of his death. His mother described him as a “loving and caring young man” who “would do anything for anyone”, while his father said losing his son left him feeling as though he had “died inside”. His brother told the court Darryl had been “my best friend, my idol and my biggest supporter”.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Carl Boydell, from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, described the incident as “truly tragic and entirely avoidable”.
He added: “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.”
Murphy was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment.