George Leech, 71, known as Brian, was in the front passenger seat of Lesley Donaldson's silver BMW when the crash happened.

The two men were returning from a family day out in Swindon, Wiltshire, with Mr Leech's wife Sheila and her two other brothers in the back of the car.

They were on their way to the Leech's home in Benham Drive, Hilsea, Portsmouth, when the accident happened on December 17, of last year.

Mr Donaldson pulled out into the path of an oncoming Ford Fiesta, in Salt Lane at Beauworth, near Winchester.

Mr Leech died at the scene.

Speaking at the pensioner's inquest in Winchester, Mr Donaldson said he had not seen the oncoming car. He added: 'It was literally a split second. I remember the bright lights and then the impact.'

Since the crash, Mr Donaldson has admitted to careless driving.

Mr Leech, who had worked for Portsmouth City Council for 20 years, had three daughters and seven grandchildren.

Deputy Central Hampshire Coroner Simon Burge delivered the verdict that the 71-year-old had died as a result of the car accident.

Speaking of the difficult circumstances of the crash, he said: '(Mr Donaldson] will spend the rest of his days asking himself, "why didn't I see the car coming"? It was there to be seen.' But the coroner added: 'It's futile to point the finger and cast blame. This was a disaster for everyone involved.'