Pensioner's death an accident

10:03am Tuesday 14th August 2001

AN 87-YEAR-OLD widow died after being run down by a Mini driven by an 80-year-old woman, an inquest heard.

Florence Coates stepped out into Albermarle Road, Beckenham, when she was hit by a vehicle driven by Jean Gaylor.

Crash expert Jonathan Webb said he put the speed of the Mini at no more than 30 miles an hour.

Mrs Gaylor said in a statement made to the police how she saw someone walking towards her out the corner of her eye as she headed towards Ashmere Avenue on April 19.

She said: “I was aware of a figure in the road coming off the pavement to my left. I could not do anything to avoid the person. There was a thump and the windscreen gave way. I was then taken to hospital with shock.”

Mrs Coates died from multiple injuries, including a fractured skull.

The court was told Mrs Gaylor had a cataract operation in 1998 and had regular eye checks ever since. She has had a clean driving licence for 60 years.

Deputy Coroner John Sampson returned a verdict of accidental death.