A pedestrian was killed outside a McDonald's after she was run down by a reversing tipper truck, a court heard.

Philippa Watson, 51, had just left the branch in Greenhithe when she was struck by the vehicle in August last year.

It is alleged that landscape gardener Aaron Dainty was eating his McDonald's breakfast as he manoeuvred the vehicle and struck Mrs Watson.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Dainty and four colleagues had just finished a nightshift doing groundwork outside the House of Fraser store at nearby Bluewater.

The five men had decided to stop at the McDonald's, in Bean Road, before heading back to their homes in Essex.

Dainty, 24, parked the tipper truck in what was described as a "dead end" road running alongside the restaurant at about 7.15am on August 24.

Mrs Watson had parked her Citroen car in a nearby recess often used by vehicles as a turning point.

A McDonald's staff member hosing down the pavement told the court he heard a scream and looked up to see the truck reversing over Mrs Watson.

Just seconds earlier he had wished Mrs Watson a good day.

Denzil Pugh, prosecuting, said the case would centre on the manner of Dainty's driving.

"It's the Crown's case that his driving fell below the standard required of a competent and careful driver who, reversing a tipper truck, should be keeping a proper look-out behind him to ensure there was no danger to anyone."

Aaron Dainty is on trial at Maidstone Crown Court

Mrs Watson was struck by the vehicle's nearside wheels and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following his arrest, Dainty told police he had checked his mirrors and was looking through his back window as he reversed.

He added that he was not eating at the time, having placed the remnants of his food in his lap.

"He was saying it was an accident, albeit with dire consequences," said Mr Pugh. "The Crown accept it was an accident, but one that could have been easily avoided if he had been driving with the requisite care and competence."

Dainty, of Kent Avenue, Canvey Island, denies causing death by careless driving.

The trial continues.