Driver Harry Clarke starts giving evidence in Glasgow bin lorry crash inquiry

Harry Clarke, 58, blacked out at the wheel during the tragedy on December 22 last year.

“I don’t want to answer that”, Mr Clarke replied in response to a variety of questions put to him on topics such as his employment, medical and family history.

Ms Bain said the scope of that had not yet been analysed “to any significant degree”, but she presented a table to the inquiry setting out possible charges, including causing death by dangerous driving, making false declarations to the DVLA and culpable and reckless conduct.

Solicitor General Lesley Thomson, the QC leading the inquiry, told him the families of the deceased had wanted to hear is answers, but this had no effect.

Ms Thomson said: “The families have been in court every day to hear answers, do you know that?”

HSE inspector Barry Baker, 50, told the inquiry that the HSE investigated after a member of the public was hit and killed by a reversing refuse truck in 2012 and Glasgow City Council was fined £20,000.

Lawyers for families of two of the six people killed in the crash confirmed in court on Thursday that they were planning a private prosecution for deception and lying about his medical history after the FAI ended, raising the clear risk that Clarke could incriminate himself.

The inquiry heard earlier from Ian Buick, who interviewed Mr Clarke when he left a job with First Bus and applied for a position at the council.

He said: “I think I remember (bin man) Matt shouting “Harry, wake up”.

His solicitor Paul Reid said he had not had the opportunity to consult with his client or take his instructions on the latest development.

Following an interjection by his lawyer, Mr Clarke said: “I don’t wish to answer any more questions”.

In answer to the majority of questions put to him in the morning session, Mr Clarke responded: “I don’t want to answer that” or “No comment”.

Ms Thomson said: “I’m asking you questions because we all want answers to why it happened that day”.

On Monday, the legal team representing the family of victim Gillian Ewing, 52, from Edinburgh, said they supported the motion for adjournment but today they backed its withdrawal.

Mr Clarke’s voice started to waver again as he fought back tears and he added: “What can I say?”

The Crown Office ordered an investigation into the circumstances of the accident after ruling that there was no evidence to warrant criminal proceedings.

Mr Clarke was asked about three unopened beer bottles found in the truck cab after the accident and explained that it was common for the crew to receive gifts from shop owners around Christmas time.

He then told the inquiry: “April 2010, I was off sick, that was the time with First Bus”.

Former transport manager Mr Buick was shown an email he sent in March 2011 titled “references returned” in which Mr Clarke’s name was included.

Witnesses on the day of December’s crash reported seeing the lorry driver slumped at the wheel as the vehicle mounted the pavement on Queen Street and careered up the road towards George Square where it crashed into the Millennium Hotel.