A POLICE investigation into a road crash which claimed the life of a father-of-two might be re-opened.

Deputy Teesside Coroner Gordon Hetherington is asking the Crown Prosecution Service to look again at a crash which cost the life of Paul Richardson on Christmas Eve, 2000.

An inquest witness estimated the car which hit Mr Richardson's vehicle - a Vauxhall Astra - was being driven at between 75mph to 80mph - twice the 40mph speed limit. Another said the Astra, driven by Leandra Watson, was travelling at "a considerable speed".

Following the collision in Marton Road, Middlesbrough, Miss Watson was convicted of driving without insurance, with a test certificate, having a defective tyre, and failing to stop.

At an inquest, yesterday into the death of Mr Richardson, of Sutton Way, Middlesbrough, a witness described seeing Miss Watson running away from the scene.

Widow Nicola Richardson and her family are pressing for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to look again at the crash. Deputy coroner Mr Hetherington yesterday agreed, saying he was "justified" in referring the matter back.

Miss Watson, of Marlborough Gardens, Middlesbrough, is to be "directed" to attend a resumed inquest, which will reconvene in October to hear the verdict of the CPS.

Cleveland Police accident investigator PC Michael Woodhouse said the speed of the Astra immediately prior to the crash was 43.7mph according to a computer programme reconstruction. But he warned there could be a ten per cent margin of error either way.

The CPS is to be asked if in view of technological advances being made there is not a more suitable computer programme to be used to give an accurate reconstruction.

Mr Richardson, 34, 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.

He was killed as he attempted to turn right across Marton Road from its junction with Marton Way, on his way to work. Approaching drivers Nicholas Chew and Laura Smith said the manoeuvre caused them no problem and no need to break.

Deborah Anderson, Mrs Richardson's solicitor, said afterwards: "In one way the family feel it is not really conclusive. In another they are pleased that it is actually being taken seriously."

She said the family were being offered counselling.