A couple died following a road accident during a three-month holiday in Alicante, Spain, an inquest heard.

Barbara Dedman, 61, died at the scene of the accident on August 12 from multiple injuries, while her husband Ephraig Dedman, 62, died 17 days later in Alicante General Hospital from heart failure.

The couple, of Tortoiseshell Way, Braintree, had been on holiday with other family members.

Coroner's officer Stephen Parfrey told Chelmsford Coroner's Court yesterday in a documentary inquest that the right-hand drive Ford Focus driven by Mr Dedman made a right turn and was involved in a collision with another car, immediately killing Mrs Dedman.

Deputy Essex Coroner Dr Malcolm Weir said: "It looks like the British couple have crossed at the crossroads and not realised they had to give way."

He recorded a verdict of accidental death for both Mr and Mrs Dedman.

Published Thursday November 29, 2001