A LORRY driver who saw a load of marble fall off his vehicle and crush a man to death told a jury the accident was not his fault.

Anthony Smith, 39, of Chorley, claimed he told four men involved in the unloading to strap it down again before he started to reverse.

The jury at Preston Crown Court has been told that 32-year-old Joseph Glover, of Liverpool, was died in Clegg Street, Liverpool, in May last year.

The prosecution allege that the driver was grossly negligent, and his recklessness cost Mr Glover his life. Smith, of St Gregory's Place, Chorley, denies manslaughter.

Giving evidence, father-of-five Smith said he was given on the job training and had discussions with other drivers as part of his work. He had transported marble once before.

He said he did not play a part in unloading work as it was not his responsibility. Initially he thought he had arrived at the wrong street as the road was so narrow. He said someone asked him: "Where's the crane?" He replied: "This is how it comes."

Smith said he thought the unloading operation carried out by others was a bit shoddy. He did not see Health and Safety signs and the men were wearing trainers, apart from one, and were without hard hats.

Someone told him the vehicle needed turning round. "I turned round and said 'well, it needs strapping down.' Then they all got together discussing it.

"Four men got into the back of the vehicle. I was under the impression they were going to secure the marble."

He heard the men laughing and joking, but later went on to assume they had got off when he could not hear anyone talking or the sound of chains rattling.

The defendant added: "I was reversing. The next thing the vehicle just lurched to the right. I stopped straight away. I heard people screaming and shouting."

Under cross examination from prosecutor Neil Flewitt, Smith said it was up to the customer to re-secure the load.

Mr Flewitt said: "The prosecution suggest it was highly dangerous for you to drive that lorry without checking and making sure the men were off the back. Do you accept that?"

The defendant answered: "Looking at it now, yes."

(Proceeding)