A grandad died on Christmas Eve four days after he was knocked down in a pub car park when he stepped out from behind a large Christmas tree.
Keith Duckworth, 65, was hit by a slow-moving silver Ford Focus in the car park of the Coach and Horses in Maghull at around 6.40pm on December 20, 2018. He fell backwards and struck his head on the pavement.
He was taken to Aintree University Hospital, where a CT scan revealed he had suffered a skull fracture and bleeding around the brain. He was taken to The Walton Centre in Fazakerley for further monitoring and treatment, however, his condition worsened and he died on December 24 of multi-organ failure caused by multiple injuries.
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At an inquest at Bootle town hall today, October 12, a court heard the male driver of the Ford had slowed to a stop as he travelled southbound along Liverpool Road North, and indicated his intention to enter the car park. A pedestrian who was about to cross the road stopped at the car park entrance and waved him inside.
The car entered the car park at a slow speed and collided with Mr Duckworth, who had stepped out from behind a large Christmas tree.
Investigating officer Sgt Coburn, who examined the scene found the car park was dark, and that both the driver and Mr Duckworth's line of sight would have been obscured by the Christmas tree and a nearby wall. Mr Duckworth was also reportedly blind in one eye, which may have affected his ability to see the approaching car.
He said: "The driver was unable to see Keith Duckworth to a sufficient degree to perceive him as a hazard, and as a result collided with him. Keith was visually impaired and intoxicated, and also the car was obscured from view. It would be difficult for either party to avoid a collision in this case."
Mr Duckworth, a mechanic who lived in Maghull, was leaving the Coach and Horses after enjoying a festive drink when his life was tragically cut short.
His family said: "Keith lived life the way he wanted to. He was a big part of our family and we are all devastated.
"Keith went for a pint in his local pub. Never did we think he wouldn't return home. He was a very much loved husband, dad and grandad, brother and friend and we are going to miss him."
Handing down a conclusion of accidental death, coroner Julie Goulding said: "A police investigation concluded that the driver of the car had not been drinking, had not taken any illicit drugs, and his car was roadworthy and free from defects.
"As the driver drove into the car park he was unable to see Keith to a sufficient degree to perceive him as a hazard, and as a result collided with him. Keith was visually impaired and had consumed alcohol. His view of the car was also obscured. It would have been difficult for either of them to negate the collision."
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