Carpark accident claimed gran's life (From Swindon Advertiser)

Carpark accident claimed gran's life

9:30am Friday 27th November 2009

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A FAMILY have paid tribute to a doting mum and grandmother who died after a road accident at a supermarket car park in West Swindon.

Mother-of-six Christine Sexstone, of Ermin Street, Blunsdon, was struck by a reversing Renault Laguna as she walked behind it at the Asda store around 11am on September 20, last year.

The 74-year-old, who has 10 grandchildren and five great grandchildren, died six weeks later from multi-organ failure caused by traumatic leg injuries and infected wounds at the Great Western Hospital.

Her family said in a statement: “She was born in Swindon but was raised and lived in Blunsdon all her life.

“She never worked and was a full-time stay-at-home mum. She baby-sat all of her grandchildren and also her sister’s children.

“She dedicated her life to her family. Her family was the be all and end all of her life and she will be sadly missed.”

The inquest at Salisbury Coroner’s Court on Wednesday heard how she was on her way to get a shopping trolley to do her weekly shop with daughter Ruth Fitchett.

At the time of the accident Ruth, who had driven her mum to the supermarket, was collecting bags and hangbag from the back seat.

Wiltshire and Swindon Coroner David Ridley said Laguna driver Gary Bowers, a youth ice hockey coach from Milton Keynes, was slowly reversing out of a parking bay.

Mr Bowers backed out as shouts of “stop” came from concerned passers-by, said Mr Ridley.

Without knowing he had come into contact with Mrs Sexstone, he then moved the vehicle forward with the back rear tyre coming to rest on her legs, Mr Ridley said.

Giving evidence, Mr Bowers said: “It felt like I was going over a sleeping policeman.

“In my mind I still can't work out what actually happened.

“I have lifesaving skills as a motorcyclist where we have to look in both mirrors and look over your shoulder.

“This is what I did. I observed and there was nothing in the way.”

Mr Bowers said his son and a couple of passers-by helped lift up the vehicle.

The emergency services attended the scene and Christine was taken to the Great Western Hospital, the inquest heard.

The next day she was transferred to Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital for plastic surgery on both her legs.

She was later sent back to Swindon to begin her recovery from her operation. But her condition deteriorated and she died on October 31 last year.

Collision investigator PC Alan Kyne, based at Chippenham Police Station, said Mrs Sexstone could have been caught in the driver’s blind spot as a result of a pillar in his car.

PC Kyne added: “There was no excessive speed but there was still enough time for both parties to see each other and take appropriate action. The collision could have been avoided.”

Mrs Sexstone suffered a mini stroke in 2006. As a result her left eye did not open properly, said Mr Ridley.

Her doctor Jennifer Metcalfe, based at the Westrop Surgery, said it left her with 6/24 vision in her left eye and 6/12 in her right.

Mr Ridley said this would not have affected her judgement as the accident happened on her right side.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Ridley said: “Christine didn’t intend to come into contact with the vehicle and the driver didn’t intend to come into contact with Christine.

“Christine Sexstone died as a result of an accident.”

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