'A tragic incident involving a pedestrian and a vehicle who met in the worst way'

Keen cricketer died on way home from pub

- Yasmin Sarwar

A SPORTS-mad cricketer was watching a YouTube video on his phone when he was struck and killed by a car on his way home from the pub.

Robert Bown was crossing Weston Road near to Weston Coyney lights when he tried to take evasive action to avoid the collision.

But an inquest heard the driver had also attempted to avoid a collision and swerved and hit Mr Bown at about 32mph. It happened on December 16, 2023.

The 33-year-old was taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital but he died at 12.30am the following day, less than an hour after the crash.

Now coroner Lindsey Tonks has concluded his death was caused by traumatic head injuries as a result of a road traffic collision.

The court heard Mr Bown, who lived nearby, had been enjoying an evening with friends. He took part in a Christmas quiz at Caverswall Cricket Club - for which he was secretary - and had visited the Auctioneers Arms to watch a band. He had been drinking and talking about his recent trip to Cape Verde before leaving to head home at 11.30pm.

Sergeant Roger Wetton, forensic collision investigator for Staffordshire Police, said Mr Bown had been watching a YouTube video and crossed the road at the same time the Honda Civic was oncoming.