Driver, 81, dies and kills pedestrian couple after accidentally pressing accelerator instead of brake pedal to take powerful Audi from 25mph to 55mph in just five seconds, inquest hears

Daily Mail​

5 days ago

A retired managing director killed himself and a married couple after accidentally pressing the accelerator instead of the brake pedal on his powerful new Audi, an inquest heard today.
Eye-witnesses said Humphrey Pickering, 81, mistakenly 'floored' the Audi A8, which hit a group of pedestrians walking along the seafront in the town of Beaumaris, on the island of Anglesey, at 55mph – 35mph over the 20mph speed limit - last summer.
Reverend Stephen Burch and his wife Katherine, both 65, who were visiting North Wales from their home, in Alcester, Warwickshire, died at the scene. Mr Pickering, who was not wearing a seat belt, also suffered fatal chest injuries.
Police crash investigator Meilir Hywel told an inquest, in Caernarfon, that Mr Pickering had pressed the accelerator pedal of his automatic grey car three times, causing it to accelerate sharply from 25mph to 55mph in just five seconds before the fatal collision, close to the town's historic pier.
CCTV footage showed no brake lights were activated as the car swerved erratically for 100 metres (330ft) along Alma Street in the resort, ploughing into four people, at 2.45pm on August 28 last year.
'Mr and Mrs Burch didn't have enough time to react and move to safety,' Mr Hywel said. 'For them the collision was probably unavoidable.'
Two other pedestrians suffered minor injuries.
The court heard that Mr Pickering had been trying to move his car from a parking space on Wall Street, near the Bulkeley Hotel, so his wife could get into the passenger side when the accident happened.
'The most likely explanation for the collision is a pedal misapplication,' Mr Hywel added.
Holidaymaker Jamile Serrano, who witnessed the accident, said the Audi came out of the narrow road slowly at first, but suddenly picked up speed. He was knocked to the floor and then heard a loud bang.
One woman said it was 'like a firework had gone off'.
Another eye-witness, Francis O'Rourke, described the car as being 'floored' and swerving erratically. Mr Pickering avoided a parked car and a horse-drawn carriage but collided with Mr and Mrs Burch before crashing into a nearby property, causing structural damage.
'The scene was complete chaos,' Mr O'Rourke said in a statement. 'It was just so shocking.'
Pathologist Dr Mark Atkinson said Rev Burch, who had recently retired, and his wife, a charity worker, died of multiple injuries. The couple had two sons and a daughter and were grandparents, the court heard.
Kate Robertson, senior coroner for North West Wales, recorded all three deaths due to a road traffic collision.
She said: 'The most likely explanation is the pedal misapplication which has led to the sudden, unintended acceleration. There's no evidence before me the incident was deliberate on the part of the driver.'
The coroner told relatives who attended the hearing: 'This is one of the most traumatic cases I am sure I have come across in the circumstances before me.
'There's nothing I can say which will ease the pain and suffering you will all no doubt be feeling.'
Mr Pickering, a former librarian, of Colwyn Bay, was described as being 'active' and was involved in his local Rotary Club.
But in a statement, Mr and Mrs Burch's daughter, Sarah Packwood, said the family had concerns about his ability to handle and operate such a powerful car 'given the driver's age.'
Her father was Vicar of St James, in Fletchamstead, Coventry, for 19 years before he retired at the end of 2023. He was also the chairman of the Great Alne Cricket Club, Ms Packwood said.
Mrs Burch, described as a talented musician and baker, also worked with the Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS) and worship ministry.
Describing her mother as 'a woman of deep Christian faith,' Ms Packwood added: 'She was a 'loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She had a servant heart….and was passionate about serving her community.'
Following the couple's deaths, a spokesman for the Diocese of Coventry said: 'It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Steve and Kathy Burch have been tragically killed while walking along Beaumaris Pier on the Isle of Anglesey. Steve was a popular member of our diocese and well known for his good humour and unwavering faith and many will also know Kathy well from her work with CPAS and worship ministry. As a couple they were still very active in retirement, running an alpha course leading to baptism and confirmations.
'Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve and Kathy's family at this time especially their children, David, Jonathan and Sarah as they come to terms with this devastating, unexpected loss.'
A tribute from the Great Alne Cricket Club read: 'Steve has been a GACC member for well over 20 years, holding various positions including Sunday captain, secretary, and most recently, chairman. A cherished member of the club, Steve racked up 1190 runs since records began.
'Best known for his unperishable forward defensive, he also took 15 wickets during his bowling days. His efforts in the field were unquestionable, and commitment to ensuring that the club succeeded in whatever format shall remain legendary.
'Both Steve and Kathy were vital members off the field, too. Steve would regularly score for the Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday teams; a role which is invaluable but often forgotten. Kathy was well known in Great Alne for her tremendous cricket teas, enjoyed by all who were able to tuck in.'