3 year old boy died after his learner driver mum ran him over as she parked her car

3 year old Liam Turner was playing with his six year old sister on the passenger side of the car when inexperienced mum Lyndsay Turner, 34, got behind the wheel. She was trying to reverse the car into a parking bay, but she lost control and the vehicle shot forward and hit Liam.



Lyndsay who had no driving license  was being guided by husband Stephen, 37, but as at that time could not prevent the accident. When Liam was hit, he was caught under the vehicle, and suffered a fatal head injury when the wheel rolled over his head. He was then airlifted to hospital but was pronounced dead a few hours later.

Neighbour Amy Jones saw the accident happen, and said she heard a terrible crunching noise when Liam was hit. She said:

"Liam was bleeding really badly. Stephen picked him and took him in the car and took him to hospital quickly."

Norwich Coroners Court heard that tiny Liam was so short that neither of his parents could see him right next to their car.

The court also heard that Stephen and Lyndsay dashed to hospital in the car, and flagged down an ambulance they happened to pass on the way. Paramedics inside tried to treat Liam, and called in an air ambulance to airlift him to Norwich and Norfolk Hospital but poor Liam didn't survive.

The car was inspected after the accident. The inspector said the car had no problems with it, and that driving conditions on the day were fine.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, assistant coroner Nicholas Holroyd said:

"Mrs Turner had extremely limited driving experience and had not driven that car before. She was not aware where Liam was and as she drove into the car parking space, and he was run over by that car causing instant lack of consciousness which he did not survive. This was an appalling tragedy and you both have my profound sympathy for ".

Prosecutors considered launching a criminal case against Lyndsay, but decided there was no public interest in dragging her through the courts.