AN 80-year-old Newton man who would not accept that he was almost blind, walked into the path

Retired engineer Harold Pilkington had a number of ailments but would not be treated because he did not like going to the doctor, the Warrington inquest was told.

His eyesight was so poor, he could have been registered as blind but he refused to pursue the matter, his son-in-law Keith Mottram told the hearing.

"He was a stubborn person and you couldn't make him do anything he did not want to do" he said.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded on Mr Pilkington of Athol Close, Newton, who died in Warrington Hospital on January 23 after the accident in Crow Lane West, Newton.

Mr Pilkington was crossing the road near a pelican crossing but not on it.

Mr Mottram said that his father-in-law was also a 'creature of habit' who would walk to Earlestown Labour Club every night.

"I think he was going there when the accident happened," he said.

Mr Mottram also said the pensioner had become forgetful.

Car driver Gareth Potter said he saw a man crossing the road in front of him. He appeared to break into a run to dodge another car and then tried to dodge his car as well.

Mr Potter said: "I slammed the brakes on but hit him."

Eye witness Thomas Baxter said: "I saw the car coming. It wasn't going very fast and I don't think the driver would have had as good a view of him as I had.

"The old man was not looking left or right. He appeared oblivious to what was happening."

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