Glasgow bin lorry driver accused of telling 'pack of lies' about medical history

Harry Clarke arrives at court on Friday. Credit: PA

The driver of the bin lorry that crashed and killed six people in Glasgow has been accused of telling a "pack of lies" about his medical history.

Giving evidence for a second day at a fatal accident inquiry, Harry Clarke repeatedly refused to answer a number of questions, prompting the mother of one victim to storm out of court.

The 58-year-old council worker turned down the chance to apologise to the families for allegedly lying about his medical history, which has been the subject of much of the questioning.

In the incident three days before last Christmas, Mr Clarke slumped at the wheel of the truck as he drove through the city centre, causing it to veer out of control.

Previously, the inquiry has heard that Mr Clarke has a history of dizzy spells and fainting which he failed to disclose to the DVLA and on job application forms. This included a blackout at the wheel of a stationary bus when he was a driver with First Bus in April 2010.

Six people were killed in the incident on December 22. Credit: PA

In court today, Mr Clarke was accused of telling a "pack of lies" about his medical history.

Dorothy Bain QC, acting for relatives of Ms Morton, accused him of deliberately misleading doctors by telling them he was safe to drive.

When Mr Clarke refused to answer questions, the mother of Erin McQuade, 18, stormed out of court.

Under cross-examination, Mr Clarke admitted he was not answering questions because of the risk of incriminating himself.

Earlier this week, the family of Jacqueline Morton, one of the victims, announced they are seeking a private prosecution.

Mr Clarke refused to answer questions about his medical history. Credit: Priscilla Colleman

Mr Clarke was asked to imagine his own daughter had been killed in such an incident.

"What would you hope those who might have some information about it would do at that public inquiry?" he was asked, but Mr Clarke refused to answer.

Ms Bain accused the council worker of lacking the "decency" to think of anyone but himself.

Ronald Conway, representing the family of Stephenie Tait, 29, asked Mr Clarke to apologise for "lying" in 2010, saying that is what led to the deaths of six people. Mr Clarke said he could not.

Mr Conway said Mr Clarke had "waltzed through every checkpoint with complete and absolute impunity".

Mr Clarke finished giving his evidence shortly before 1pm before leaving court.