CAR SKIDS 289 FEET; WOMAN RUN OVER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18045, 4 January 1927, Page 3

CAR SKIDS 289 FEET; WOMAN RUN OVER.

(Special to the “Star.”) LONDON, November 11. The Westminster coroner yesterday adjourned until Monday an inquest on Mrs Bessie Pcnfold, aged forty*-eight, wife of a butler in service at 8, Connaught Square, W., who Avas killed by' a grey* motor-car in the East Carriage Way, ITydc Park, on the evening of October 31. A jury is to be empannclled at the resumed inquiry*. A plan prepared by a police constable Avas produced showing that the car skidded 289 feet, including a break in between. Mr Leonard Thomas Pountney*. of Meadway, Golders Green, N.W., said that shortly after G p.m. he was driving his car along the East Carriage Way, when a grey* car overtook him and cut in between his car and a refuge. He then saw the woman lying in the road, and a taxicab following passed, over her without touching her. The speed of the grev car Avas, in Mr Pountney’s opinion, reckless, and it alarmed him. Mr John Ward, a shop assistant, of Tlarrowby Street, Edgcware Road, W., said that he saw two persons go into the roadway* and pull a body away. Hearing a shout of "Stop him,” lie held up his umbrella and stopped the car. the Avindscreen of which was smashed. The driver did not exactly know what had happened, and Mr Ward said, “Don’t be a silly* man. What do : vou think has hit this screen?” The man was agitated. Mrs Violet Doris Pratt, of Compton Buildings, Goswell Road, Finsbury, E.C., said that she, her husband and brother were walking towards Ilyde Park Corner when she saw the car coming along at a dangerous, terrific speed. Suddenly* there was a terrific swish and crash and a woman appeared to be falling over the top of the car. Mrs Pratt heard the brakes jammed on, but the car seemed to put on a spurt and went on. She shouted “Stop him,” because she thought the driver was running away. Mrs Penfold was in the air when the witness first saw her, and she heard her dog yelp. Mr Arthur Henry' Pratt, a printer’s Avarehouseman, said he satv Mrs Penfold lving across the bonnet of the car. She was carried about two yards and then fell off.