WILTSHIRE Coroner David Masters has adjourned an inquest into the death of Doris Wightman, 84, who was hit by a car as she crossed the A4 near her home in Calstone Wellington, near Cherhill last October.

The hearing was told the pensioner was struck by a green Vauxhall Astra driven by Tracey Howell, of Calne.

Miss Howell was convicted at Chippenham Magistrates Court on June 24 of driving without due care and attention.

But she was unable to attend yesterday's inquest in Chippenham because she has been receiving psychiatric care since the accident.

In a police interview, read to the court, Miss Howell said Mrs Wightman walked out in front of her.

"I tried to get out of the way and she seemed to step into my path," she said.

Miss Howell said she swerved to her right, but failed to miss the pensioner.

Wiltshire Coroner David Masters said he wanted to hear further evidence and he also wanted to hear evidence from driver Colin Wilson, who was travelling behind Miss Howell before recording any verdict relating to the death.

"There are issues I am very concerned about, and will not deal with them lightly," said Mr Masters.

He told the inquest that the court case should not have taken place before the inquest, and he wants to find out why this happened.

Driver Richard Mullans, of Ashford, in Berkshire, giving evidence, said he was travelling from Bristol towards Cherhill.

He said he slowed to allow Mrs Wightman time to cross ahead of him.

He said she then moved across to a central lay-by, for drivers turning right towards Compton Bassett.

"I was getting more and more anxious because the Astra and the elderly lady were getting closer and closer," said Mr Mullans.

"I then saw the car hit the lady," he said.

A post mortem examination revealed Mrs Wightman died of a ruptured heart, and also suffered severe head injuries and multiple fractures.

PC David Edwards, of the collision investigation team, said he thought Ms Howell's driving fell far below the standard expected of a competent driver the benchmark for a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

"I think the standard of driving was far below what a normal competent driver would expect," said PC Edwards.

The inquest is due to be resumed at Chippenham Magistrates Court at 11.30am on Wednesday.

dvaller@newswilts.co.uk