James Mulligan was hit by the car as he waited at a bus stop

James Mulligan, 73, was killed when he was hit by a car while waiting at a bus stop in Gateshead on 1 May 2002.

Christopher Eade of Felling, Gateshead, denies causing his death by driving a faulty car bought for �50, a trial at Leeds Crown Court heard on Tuesday.

Mr Eade told police Robert Webber, who was also in the car, was the driver.

The jury heard how Mr Mulligan was hit by a silver H-registered Ford Sierra car as he sat on a litter bin waiting for a bus on Albion Street, Gateshead.

'Telling lies'

Andrew Dallas, prosecuting, said the car mounted the pavement, flattened a concrete bus stop and knocked over Mr Mulligan and his neighbour Ivy Clark, 85.

She suffered head injuries but survived, but Mr Mulligan died of heart failure on the way to hospital.

The jury heard how Mr Eade, who fled the scene, gave himself up the next day but denied being behind the wheel.

He claimed he was the front seat passenger, but was "high on drugs" and could not remember much of what happened.

Mr Dallas said he was "telling lies" and trying to deflect the blame on Mr Webber, who also fled the scene.

Forensic examinations also showed the car's steering was in a dangerous condition and at risk of jamming. The trial was adjourned until Wednesday.