Fireman admits driving too fast

Mr Robertson was driving to an emergency call

A fire engine driver whose emergency vehicle went through a red light and smashed into a car, killing the driver, has admitted driving too fast.

Firefighter Ian Robertson, 44, of Bolton, looked into the eyes of driver Philip Yates just before the fatal crash, Manchester Crown Court heard.

Mr Yates was killed when the engine drove through a red light on its way to a 999 call in Eccles last year.

Mr Robertson denies causing death by dangerous driving. The case continues.

The court heard he was leading a two-engine convoy from Eccles fire station when the crash took place at about 1206 GMT on 26 January last year.

Philip Yates died in Salford's Hope Hospital

As the two fire engines rushed along Liverpool Road towards the Astley Court care home in Irlam, the traffic lights ahead of them changed from green to red.

As he drove through the lights he crashed into Mr Yates's red Ford Escort, which had pulled out into his path while trying to turn right.

Father-of-two Mr Yates, 39, of was taken to hospital but died of his injuries.

Mr Robertson told the court he thought Mr Yates had seen him.

"I just remember seeing eyes, nose and mouth looking up at the appliance," he said.

"I braked very aggressively. I could feel the ABS pulsing in my foot. There was a massive impact."