A MAN died after "walking into" a car at a Poole roundabout that locals have branded 'dangerous'.

An inquest heard how David Dixson was a regular at Ashley Road's Victoria Cross pub where he'd spent the evening before walking towards Sea View when the fatal collision occurred.

The hearing was told he stepped into the road - which was controversially changed from a traditional roundabout a few years ago - when he struck Aneta Ryszka's Vauxhall Adam.

She was driving from Ashley Road turning towards Constitution Hill Road having finished her shift as a carer at approximately 9.30pm.

Dr Basil Purdue's pathology report showed the 68-year-old died of a head injury on October 19 last year as a result of hitting his head on the road, two days after the incident.

Toxicology reports also showed Mr Dixson, of Alder Road, had 189 mg of alcohol in his blood - nearly two and a half times the legal drive limit.

With the help of an interpreter, Miss Ryszka told the hearing she only realised he was there when she felt the impact.

Sheriff Payne, senior coroner for Dorset, asked: "Thinking back do you think there's anything you could have done that might have prevented this from happening?"

Miss Ryszka responded: "That's the question I've been asking myself, since the accident, every day. There's nothing I could do, I simply didn't see him. I don't know if it's my fault. I was sure there was no one on the road."

The inquest also heard from Dorset PC Kelvin Edge, the collision investigator, who said questions were raised over the location of Miss Ryszka's sat nav, air freshener and even car apillar - the section of car joined to the side of the windscreen - which were assessed as part of the investigation.

But it couldn't be proved there was a sufficient obstruction to Miss Ryszka's view and that the dark evening, damp weather and Mr Dixson's dark clothing may all have contributed to the incident.

Mr Payne said: "It does seem to me that sadly his actions are contributory and if he'd been slightly more careful he might well have survived this experience.

"I don't think he was paying attention to what he was doing. The more sensible thing for him to do was to go slightly further down and go to the crossing but it appears he's just walked straight across."

He added: "It was a very low impact indeed and could well be consistent of him walking into the car."

Following the inquest Marty Caine, leader of the SeaView Action Group - which was started following Mr Dixson's death - said the verdict will only empower them to fight the roundabout revamp.

It formed part of the Borough of Poole's £12.1 million Three Town’s Travel project.

"Dave Dixson's inquest is irrelevant when compared to the number of accidents since the roundabout was changed," Mr Caine said.

"The roundabout is still dangerous. The verdict hasn't made it any safer just because they've said it was an accident."

In her witness statement heard during the inquest Teresa Davies, landlady of the Victoria Cross, paid tribute to Mr Dixson.

"He was known and loved by all staff and customers," she said.

"He was a real character, helping anyone out if they needed it."

Richard Pinnegar, Traffic manager, Borough of Poole, said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Dixson’s relatives and friends at this difficult time. 

“We will focus on the findings of the coroner's report and review if any further action is required by the council.”