Jogging doctor died when "minor error" had horrific consequences

Tim Carter, 54, died instantly when he was hit by a dark green Citreon ZX, travelling at around 60mph, as he tried to cross the A27 at Castle Goring Mews, Worthing, at 8pm on April 26 last year.

Witnesses told the hearing on Tuesday that Dr Carter, who lived with his partner in Cookfield Road, Burgess Hill, either hadn't looked before crossing or misjudged the speed and distance of the car driven by Collen Sibanda.

Mr Sibanda, from Hove, who was driving along the outside lane with his nephew, Farrel, in the passenger seat, said Mr Carter hadn't looked before crossing towards the central reservation. He said: "About 50 metres or less ahead, a man appeared from my left and diagonally in front of me and my nephew screamed: 'What is he doing?' I went for the brakes, which didn't feel safe, then I swerved right, away from him."

Asked by West Sussex Coroner Roger Stone whether he could have done anything differently, Mr Sibanda, replied: "If I had done anything else I would have ended up heading into oncoming traffic."

Jogger David Bos, from Eastbourne, who was running metres behind Mr Carter when the collision took place, said: "In my opinion, Tim miscalculated the distance between him and the vehicle or its speed or he just didn't see it coming."

PC Mark Hill, who attended the accident scene 25 minutes later, called it "a minor error with tragic consequences". He concluded it took place in good visibility with fine road and weather conditions.From tyre marks left on the road, he confirmed that Mr Sibanda was driving within the 70mph limit and no defects were found on his car.

He said: "The driver has taken immediate action and tried to steer away from the runner."

Mr Stone recorded a verdict of accidental death.