A FORMER golf professional died after losing control of his Lotus Esprit and crashing through a hedge, an inquest heard.

Peter Lightfoot, who had been assistant professional at Leigh Golf Club, Culcheth, died from multiple injuries when his sports car landed on its roof in a field off Kenyon Lane, Lowton.

Mr Lightfoot, 29, of Rob Lane, Newton, had been returning home with his girlfriend Gwyneth Nicholson, after a meal in Culcheth in March this year.

Miss Nicholson said she remembered going round a bend and the car veering to the left then turning sharply right.

She glanced at Mr Lightfoot but he seemed unconcerned. She then remembered shooting across the road and covered herself up as the car seemed to take off.

When she woke up, she was hanging upside down and managed to reach across and put on the hazard lights.

After a while, a couple approached the car and helped to get her out.

Police accident investigator Philip Kitching said: "The driver seems to have lost control on the exit of a slight bend.

"The car mounted the pavement then crossed the road, crashing through a hedge, landed in the field and rolled, and ended up on its roof.

"I was unable to determine whether the driver was wearing a seatbelt.

"There is no evidence to suggest another vehicle is involved but the accident may have been due to the weather conditions at the time, or the driver turning too late in the bend."

Mr Lightfoot's father, Joseph, said his son had always been a very safe and responsible driver.

Coroner John Hibbert, recording a verdict of accidental death, said there had been no alcohol found in Mr Lightfoot's blood.

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