A WIFE watched in horror as her husband lay down in the road and was killed by a car.

Michael Parkin, 29, of Gloucester Terrace, Haswell Plough, east Durham, suffered a fractured skull and severe brain injuries on the C60 between Haswell and Haswell Plough.

Amanda Parkin was with him at the time of the accident, at 8.30pm, on February 9.

An inquest at Chester-le-Street Magistrates' Court yesterday heard he was suffering depression at the time and had been drinking lager and vodka.

He walked away from his wife, lay in the road and was struck by a Renault Scenic, driven by Dorothy Ward, of Easington Colliery. He died as a result of his injuries.

Deputy Coroner Brenda Davidson recorded a verdict of accidental death.