Crash injuries led to death one year later (From Worcester News)

Crash injuries led to death one year later

10:40am Friday 18th December 2009

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A MAN who found police waiting for him at his ex-girlfriend’s home fled the scene then crashed his car into a tree suffering fatal injuries, a coroner was told.

Ian Downton went to visit his former partner at Worcester Road, near Powick, in the early hours of the morning last September.

Mr Downton, who had been drinking, sped off at high speed when he saw police cars on the drive.

He turned off his lights to avoid being seen by police then crashed into a tree as he attempted to turn down Madresfield Road, near Malvern Link.

The 46-year-old, of Rectory Road, Upton-upon-Severn, suffered multiple injuries and was left with a ruptured oesophagus, Stourport Coroner’s Court was told.

Despite several operations, he died from his injuries on Thursday, September 24 – exactly one year after the crash.

We reported in your Worcester News earlier this month how around 400 people attended Mr Downton’s funeral. Friends and family paid tribute to a “larger than life character” who “would do anything for anyone.”

Giving evidence at the inquest, Sergeant Andy Woolhouse, of West Mercia police, said: “A colleague had spoken to a caller who said her ex-partner was in the grounds of the property.

“Prior to arriving I overheard that Mr Downton drove a silver Audi and may be under the influence of alcohol.

“Shortly after arriving I heard a vehicle pull up sharply. I saw it was a silver estate vehicle which drove off at speed.”

Sgt Woolhouse went to follow and said he could see the car’s lights were on as it headed along the A449 towards Malvern but he lost sight of the car after a few seconds.

He found the car crashed into the tree with no lights on. Sgt Woolhouse added: “It was my inference that the lights had been deliberately turned off to avoid detection.”

Officers could smell alcohol as they helped remove Mr Downton from the car.

He refused to give blood samples while being treated at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

The father-of-one was transferred to Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham, but despite several operations he never recovered from his injuries.

Worcestershire Coroner Geraint Williams, said: “He was seriously injured in the crash and despite several attempts to repair his broken body he did not fully regain his health.”

He recorded a verdict that Mr Downton died as the result of an accident.

l Your Worcester News was the only member of the media to attend this hearing.

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