A builder who did not have a driving licence swerved into the path of an oncoming car killing its driver, an inquest heard.

David Petersen, who was driving a Fiat van, collided with a Lada 4x4 on the A43 near Baynards Green, Bicester, on the morning of October 11.

Lada driver Vera Curran, 57, from North Allerton, Yorkshire, was heading to a horse show in Newbury when the accident happened. She suffered multiple injuries and was certified dead at the scene.

In a police interview, Petersen admitted that he may have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing his vehicle to swerve. He told police the regular van driver was not able to work that day, which was why he took the van to Reading, where he was working at the time of the crash.

Petersen, of Semilong Road, Northampton, admitted he had no licence.

He has since been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and with not having a valid driving licence and insurance.

At the inquest, Petersen spoke only to apologise to the family of the victim.

He said: "My apologies for what happened. I'm very sorry." Eye-witness Simon Freestone, of Beaumont Crescent, Brackley, told the Oxford inquest: "I saw a van swerve out and then pull back in. I thought it was okay and then it swerved out again.

"I noticed the Lada's brake lights come on then all of a sudden the crash happened."

The inquest heard Mrs Curran was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Coroner Nicholas Gardiner recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Story date: Thursday 22 April

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