A driver is to be prosecuted for a crash in which a hairdresser was killed, an inquest has been told.

Kevin McNally is facing criminal charges after his sports car was seen "flying" down a country lane before smashing head-on into another vehicle.

Southend Coroner's Court heard that Robert Waller, 30, of Shaftesbury Avenue, Southend, died instantly from head injuries in the crash on November 22 last year.

Mr Waller, owner of Deja-Vu hair salon in Southchurch Road, was at work when Mr McNally came in for a quick haircut.

After chatting about Mr McNally's new white Subaru Imprezza, the pair decided to take it for a quick spin.

The inquest was told how Mr McNally, who escaped with minor injuries, was driving along Shopland Road towards Great Wakering when the accident happened.

Peter Church was driving in the opposite direction when he first saw the car.

He said in evidence: "I was following a lady in the red Sierra involved in the accident. In the distance I saw the white car come around the bend.

"In my opinion he was flying. My first reaction was to brake and put my hazard lights on. He was speeding.

"I could see straight away he had lost control of the car.

"He went into a zig-zag, hit the red car and literally left the road as he hit the car and ended up on the grass verge."

Driver of the Sierra, Joanne Wilson, said: "I turned the corner and the next thing I saw was the white car coming on my side of the road. He swerved away on his side of the road and swerved back and came towards me. I don't recall anything after that."

She was taken to hospital unconscious but has since recovered from her injuries.

Mr Waller was pronounced dead at the scene. Pathologist Dr David Donald, said he died from head injuries.

Mr McNally's solicitor said criminal matters were pending against his client and advised him not to answer any questions which may be prejudicial.

He spoke only to confirm his name and that he was the driver of the vehicle.

Forensic scientist Peter Jennings who specialises in investigating traffic accidents, said it was not possible to say exactly what speed the Subaru was going but estimated it to be between 45 and 50mph.

Coroner Dr Peter Dean recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Victim - Robert Waller

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.