An inquest has heard that a mother and her five-year-old daughter were holding hands moments before they were struck and killed by a car at a pedestrian crossing in Plymouth. Destiny Harrison, 24, and Linnea Harrison died after being hit by a Nissan Qashqai driven by 76-year-old Brenda Marriott on Victoria Road on March 24, 2024.
Inquest Details
Devon Coroner's Court in Exeter was told that emergency services were called at approximately 9.45am following the collision. Linnea was pronounced dead at the scene, while her mother later died at Derriford Hospital. Pathologist Dr Russell Delaney confirmed that Ms Harrison sustained multiple injuries and Linnea died from a head injury.
Driver's Account
In a written statement, Mrs Marriott, who was not present at the hearing, said she was traveling behind a white car as she approached the crossing. "The white car went through it, it was still green and I was following. I was driving at 30mph," she said. "I saw two shadows of pedestrians. The car in front was higher than mine, so I did not have a clear view. When I drove closer, I saw the woman and a smaller person, with their heads down, step out into the road. They were holding hands. They stepped out in front of my car." Mrs Marriott said she immediately braked and stopped. "I do believe the lights were green when I drove through and think that the pedestrian misjudged the lights. I am so sorry, I am in shock," she added.
Witness Testimonies
Eyewitness Philip Askew, who was walking his dog, said he saw the pair heading toward the crossing but looked away. "I heard an almighty bang and then scream. I turned round immediately to see what it was," he said. He noted that bystanders rushed to administer first aid. Karen Bull, a local resident, said she heard a sound like a car over-revving. "The pedestrians were crossing the road. My attention was drawn to the pedestrians, so I didn't look to see the colour of the lights on the crossing. They appeared to be walking calmly and at normal pace. I heard a horrible noise. I can't get the noise out of my head," she said.
Forensic Findings
Police forensic collision investigator Pc Mel Inness confirmed no faults were found with the vehicle and there was no evidence to determine the driver's speed or reaction time. "There was nothing within the physical evidence to indicate emergency braking immediately prior to or post-impact but this does not preclude it from having occurred. It is not known what colour the traffic lights were at the point the Nissan approached the collision scene or at what point the pedestrians stepped in the road," she said.
Police Investigation
Mrs Marriott was detained at the scene but faced no further action. Detective Sergeant Troy Bennett said collision experts estimated her speed at between 27mph and 32mph at impact. "A full evidential review was conducted based on the evidence we gathered. Based on that evidence there was no physical evidence to suggest that Mrs Marriott's driving was below the standard of a careful and competent driver," he said. The decision was reviewed by senior officers and the Crown Prosecution Service.
Coroner's Conclusion
Senior coroner Philip Spinney recorded that both died as a result of a road traffic collision. "Destiny Harrison died due to injuries sustained after being hit by a car whilst crossing Victoria Road. Linnea Harrison died due to injuries sustained after being hit by a car whilst crossing Victoria Road. For the family the feelings of loss and grief are hard to imagine. I add to those that have already gone before in offering my sincerest condolences for the loss of Destiny and Linnea," he said.
