MOTORIST Nick Smith from Chudeligh was one of three people from the town killed in a crash where the other driver would have been prosecuted if he had lived, an inquest heard this week.

Mr Smith, 60, died in Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital three days after suffering severe neck and brain injuries in the accident on Clay Pits Way, Kingsteignton, last summer.

The hearing in Plymouth was told there was no way Mr Smith, driving a Jaguar X-Type, could have avoided the collision with a Jaguar S-Type being driven by Lewis Taylor. Mr Smith’s driving was not at fault.

Mr Taylor, who had traces of cocaine in his system, died at the scene as did 17-year-old passenger Callum Heath after their vehicle burst into flames on impact.

Police said at the inquest that if Mr Taylor had survived he would likely have been prosecuted over the manner of his dangerous driving.

Mr Smith’s family said afterwards that Nick had been looking forward to his early retirement. They thanked everyone who had tried to help him at the tragic scene – and for the support received subsequently.

They said in a statement: ‘It’s been a very tough year for our family and his friends losing Nick, especially in these awful circumstances.

‘Nick was on his way to work when the accident happened, minding his own business. He was looking forward to his early retirement in the following months and to be able to enjoy life with his family, friends, golfing and quiz team.’

They singled out Sgt Richard Newton for his ‘continued support’ as well as that of the emergency services, medical teams and also members of the public who tried to help Nick immediately after the August 27 accident.

Each of the families of the casualties asked for separate inquests to be held.

South Devon coroner Ian Arrow, recording a narrative verdict, said that it was likely Mr Taylor had been intoxicated and speeding when he lost control of his car.