Lee Hughes denies causing death by dangerous driving

The footballer also had a sophisticated computer system alerting the driver to any problems, an engineer who carried out checks on the �100,000 car said.

Father-of-four Douglas Graham died instantly when the car he was in was struck by the Mercedes CL55 in Meriden, near Coventry, in November last year.

Mr Hughes, 28, denies causing death by dangerous driving.

'Emergency situation'

He had earlier admitted failing to stop after the crash in the early hours of 23 November as well as failing to report an accident.

Coventry Crown Court had heard Mr Hughes turned up at a police station 36 hours after the crash to tell officers the brakes on his car had locked and it went out of control.

On Wednesday, the court heard evidence from Daimler Benz vehicle tester Jeffrey Ward who carried out checks on Mr Hughes' car following the crash.

He said the sports car had 500 brake horse power and ABS and Brake Assisted System (BAS) which helps prevent the driver from losing control.

Mr Ward added the vehicle also had technical onboard computers which would give a breakdown on any problems.

"In an emergency situation, you won't be able to skid," he told the jury.

Checks on the car showed there were no problems with tyre pressure, fuses, brake discs or fluid.

The court earlier heard evidence from a witness who said Mr Hughes drove "like a madman" before the fatal incident.