A Stebbing man died after his car was involved in an accident last June.

His dog was in the car and also died, an inquest at Chelmsford heard on Thursday.

Dennis Sandison, 64, of Mill Lane, Stebbing, died from a tragic accident, said Essex Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray.

Witnesses told the inquest that Mr Sandison drove a Ford Fiesta from an industrial area in Olivers Road, West Thurrock into the path of a van.

The front of the van hit the side of the car. Mr Sandison got out of the car, leant on the open door then collapsed. He was declared dead at Basildon hospital.

Eye witness Rita Brett told the inquest that Mr Sandison drove out onto the road, "like something out of the Sweeney.

"He just shot out in front of the van and me. There was no room for the Fiesta," said Ms Brett.

The van driver, David Simpson who is not to be prosecuted, said bushes and branches which obscured the view of drivers like Mr Sandison had been removed since the accident.

He described the area as a "dangerous spot".

The coroner said Mr Sandison died from muliple injuries caused by a tragic accident.

Published Tuesday, January 14, 2003

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