Norcross inquest hears of unlawful and unfit driver

East Sussex coroner Alan Craze is now planning to write to transport minister Ruth Kelly to express his concerns.

On Wednesday, Mr Craze heard the licence of the driver who killed Mr Norcross had expired months before the accident last year.

Frank Sotherwood, 83, had suffered a major stroke since he last applied for a licence in 2003 and two minor strokes prior to the accident.

This left him virtually blind in one eye and almost completely unable to lift his right arm.

However, he was still able to get behind the wheel of his Volkswagen.

Licences and their validity are currently monitored by a DVLA computer system. Sgt Paul Masterson, an investigating officer who gave evidence at the inquest, said it could be improved.

Despite being told he was unfit to drive by his carer, Mr Sotherwood was still able to drive regularly.

Such was the concern of his carer that she repeatedly tried to hide his car keys from him and had tried desparately to inform his son of her fears.

On November 10 last year, Mr Sotherwood reversed dangerously along 56 metres of road and collided with Mr Norcross, who was walking with his grandson in Robertsbridge.

Mr Norcross was rushed to the Conquest Hospital but died from injuries to his pelvis and internal organs.

Mr Craze, recorded a verdict of accident death, saying: "I believe the process which monitors the level of safety for those who continue to drive should be reviewed."

He then paid tribute to Mr Norcross, saying: "His loss will be felt for a long time yet by not only his family but the thousands of friends he had in the area."