Accused 'responsible' for Pc's death

PC Ged Walker was pursuing Mr Parfitt

A man accused of murdering a police dog handler has told a court he feels "responsible" for the death - but insists it was an accident.

David Parfitt told Birmingham Crown Court he never had any intention of killing or injuring Nottinghamshire Pc Ged Walker, who died after being dragged 100 yards by a stolen taxi Mr Parfitt was driving.

Mr Parfitt, of Aspley in Nottingham, denies murdering the 42-year-old officer, who died in hospital two days after striking his head on a concrete bollard as he was thrown clear from the car.

The court heard last week that Pc Walker became "stuck" in the window of the cab as it was driven away from a property in Bulwell, Nottingham, on 7 January.

I just thought he would let go and let me go David Parfitt

Mr Parfitt, 26, told the jury: "If I had known what was going to happen I would have stopped.

"It didn't seem that I was going very fast at all."

Under cross examination by Peter Joyce QC, Mr Parfitt claimed he panicked as he battled to keep the stolen car straight on the road.

He said: "I just wanted to get away. All I can remember is fighting with the wheel.

'I am responsible'

"I wasn't aware of the policeman's arms through the window.

"I just thought he would let go and let me go.

"I admit that I am responsible for what has happened. I am responsible for this accident, I admit that."

The court has been told the defendant was being hunted by police, including Pc Walker, after abandoning a stolen Vauxhall Astra in a pub car park.

He later forced a taxi driver into the passenger seat to take control of the cab.

The trial continues.