CROWN Prosecution Service solicitors are to talk to police about a car crash in which a man died.

Last month an inquest heard how father-of-two Paul Richardson died in a collision in Middlesbrough on Christmas Eve 2000.

Leandra Watson, the other driver involved, was convicted of driving without insurance, without a test certificate, having a defective tyre and failing to stop.

However, one eye witness told the inquest Ms Watson's car was travelling at between 75mph and 80mph - twice the 40mph speed limit.

Another described seeing Ms Watson running away from the scene in Marton Road.

Deputy Teesside Coroner Gordon Hetherington said he was justified in referring the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service.

A spokesman yesterday confirmed the CPS is looking again at the accident.

A spokesman said: "Following the Deputy Coroner's observations, the CPS, Cleveland, is seeking further information from the police before reconsidering the case. We have to speak to the police first.''

The CPS expect to reach a decision on the matter within the next 28 days, and has agreed to keep the coroner informed of developments.

The inquest into the death of Mr Richardson, of Sutton Way, Middlesbrough, has been adjourned without a date being set for its resumption.

Cleveland Police accident investigator PC Michael Woodhouse told the inquest the speed of Ms Watson's Vauxhall Astra immediately before the crash was 43.7mph according to a computer reconstruction.

But he warned there could be a ten per cent margin of error either way.

In adjourning the inquest, Mr Hetherington said the CPS should be asked if, in view of technological advances , there was not now a more suitable computer programme which could give an accurate reconstruction.

Mr Richardson, 34, husband of Nicola and father of Matthew, aged eight, and Zoe, aged six, had been made redundant only two months earlier from his job as a chef and was working as a pub doorman, in Redcar.

The collision ocurred as he tried to turn right across Marton Road from its junction with Marton Way, on his way to work.

Ms Watson, of Marlborough Gardens, Middlesbrough, is to be directed on the instructions of the Deputy Coroner, to attend the inquest when it is resumed.