A MAN who was 'almost impossible to see' on a country lane was knocked down and later died in hospital, an inquest heard.

Mr James Hodson, aged 64, of Lyon Court, Lyon Street, Latchford, was walking in Parkside Road, Newton, at about 6.35pm on December 19 after drinking with work colleagues at the Bull's Head pub.

The inquest heard that as Mr Hodson, a building trade supervisor, walked towards Warrington, he was struck by a Citreon AX travelling in the same direction. He never regained consciousness and died 10 days later at Warrington hospital.

The inquest heard how the lane was unlit and that a bend in the road would have meant that anyone walking in the road would not be seen in a vehicle's headlights.

Witness Hilda Mallet had driven past Mr Hodson in the opposite direction just seconds before he was struck by driver Patricia Dixon from St Helens.

Hilda said: "The road was pitch black and as I was driving towards the pub I could make out a figure in the middle of the road. He was almost impossible to see until I was level with him because he was wearing dark clothing. I then saw a car drive past me and I instantly knew that it would hit the man."

Mrs Dixon had been travelling at between 30mph and 45mph but was unable to avoid hitting him.

Coroner John Hibbert recorded a verdict of accidental death.

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