A lorry driver who was on his way to buy a lottery ticket knocked down a pensioner, an inquest heard.

Velma Hall, 81, of Skipton Road, Keighley, was knocked to the ground when a tipper lorry reversed into her. She was rushed to Airedale Hosp-ital following the tea-time incident in North Street, Keighley, in December but she died a few hours later from multiple injuries.

Bradford Coroner's Court heard last Friday how Ralph Shiel had found a place to park so he could get a lottery ticket at a nearby shop.

When he was interviewed by police, Mr Shiel said: "I was driving along. I pulled in to put my lottery on. I checked my mirrors, there was nobody there. I began to reverse. Somebody shouted stop. I did not feel or hear anything. I did not know where she came from. I did not see the lady step off the kerb. If I had seen her I would not have moved the wagon.

"There was nothing I could have done differently."

Michael Kulpa, who had been a passenger in the vehicle, told the hearing: "As we were reversing I thought we had hit the kerb with the back wheel."

Accident investigator Keith Reyner said the reverse lights and the audio bleeper had been working. But he said anyone close to the vehicle would not have been seen in the mirror because of a blind spot.

Coroner Roger Whittaker recorded a verdict of accidental death.

said that where a passenger was available it was incumbent upon a lorry driver to ensure it was clear behind when reversing.

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