Glasgow bin lorry driver told ‘pack of lies’

Harry Clarke arrives at Glasgow Sheriff Court. Picture: HeMedia

THE driver of the bin lorry that careered on to a busy city centre pavement and killed six people yesterday refused to apologise after being accused of telling a “pack of lies” about his medical history.

Harry Clarke, who blacked out at the wheel of the vehicle during the tragedy last December in Glasgow, came under a barrage of criticism from lawyers representing the families, but declined to say sorry.

A lawyer for relatives of one of the six victims told 58-year-old the deaths were “all your fault” and he was pressed on why he failed to advise his doctors and employers about a history of ill health, which included dizzy spells and fainting. Dorothy Bain QC, representing the family of Jacqueline Morton, a 51-year-old from the city who lost her life on 22 December, told Mr Clarke he had spread a “pack of lies” on job application and DVLA forms in order to keep his HGV licence.

As the driver took to the witness stand for a second day at the fatal accident inquiry at Glasgow Sheriff Court, Ms Bain asked Mr Clarke what he hoped someone with relevant information would do if they were attending a similar inquiry into the death of his daughter.

The bin lorry involved in the accident. Picture: HeMedia

“Given the sympathy you’ve been shown by everyone, do you not have the decency to think of someone other than yourself on this occasion?” she asked him.

Throughout Ms Bain’s questions, Mr Clarke replied: “I don’t wish to answer that question.”

The Crown Office ruled out bringing any charges against Mr Clarke ahead of the inquiry but he could face a private prosecution led by victims’ families.

The threat of court action means he has chosen not to answer the majority of questions relating to his medical and employment history, a legal right he exercised again yesterday.