A CAR allegedly used to ram and kill a prostitute had perfect steering, a court heard yesterday.

Police vehicle expert David Middleton said that there were no faults with the power-assisted steering of the Mercedes Smart car driven by Michael McKay, 51, who denies murder.

The court heard that mature law student Mr McKay, of Vale House, Jesmond Vale, Newcastle, drove deliberately at Elizabeth Hedley, in North Street car park, South Shields, South Tyneside, on February 14.

PC Middleton told Newcastle Crown Court the vehicle had impact damage to the left front wheel arch and to the left wheel rim. Its windscreen had also shattered. Damage to the chassis was consistent with it flipping over.

Pathologist Mark Egan said injuries to Mrs Hedley's legs were consistent with her being hit by a car.

Dr Egan said Mrs Hedley, 60, of Roman Road, South Shields, had landed on her left side, with her body hitting the ground first and then her head.

She suffered a fractured skull and brain damage, and would have died rapidly after landing.

All but one rib on the left of her body was broken and she also had a serious pelvic injury.

It is said that Mrs Hedley, a known prostitute, went to the car park with Mr McKay to perform a sexual act.

They had an argument and she got out of the vehicle. It is claimed Mr McKay drove into her at 20mph, sending her plunging 20ft over a wall to her death.

The trial continues.