A YOUNG man who died after an early morning crash may have fallen asleep at the wheel, an inquest heard.

Nicholas Easton, 26, of Meadow Way, Coppull, was driving his Vauxhall Astra on the A49 towards Eccleston when it hit a Toyota Celica driven by elderly Kathleen Baybutt at 6.25am.

Mr Easton, a clerical officer who lived with his parents, died later in hospital and Mrs Baybutt spent three months in hospital with injuries to her pelvis and legs.

The inquest at Preston Coroner's Court heard that a red Vauxhall Astra, similar to Mr Easton's had been seen driving erratically, but witnesses could not be sure it was the same car that was in the accident.

Accident investigator PC Steve Wilson told the inquest that Mr Easton may have misjudged a bend on the road at the junction with Chorley Lane.

PC Wilson, said: "It is all speculation, but it is possible that he fell asleep at the wheel."

No alcohol was found in Mr Easton's blood.

In a statement to the inquest, kitchen assistant Keith Crook, said he saw a red Astra on Birkacre Road. "The car was driving in an erratic manner and skidding and sliding across the road," he said.

"I walked a bit further up to the junction of Chorley Lane and Preston Road and saw a red Vauxhall Astra go onto the same side of the road as me and almost collide head on with the Toyota. I thought it was the same one as I had seen earlier."

Paul Bamber, an HGV driver, of New Street, Eccleston, was driving behind Mrs Baybutt's car. He said: "When we came to a bend at the junction of Chorley Lane I saw the Vauxhall Astra travel over the white line. He did not attempt to swerve."

Mrs Baybutt from Stocks Lane, Eccleston, is still on crutches following the crash. She said: "The lad was more important than me. It's not anybody's fault. He was only 26."

Coroner, Howard McCann, recorded a verdict of accidental death.

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