Mystery over road deaths of Peter and Kathleen Darby on B1108

Peter and Kathleen Darby, both 69, were on a Sunday drive on the B1108 when the head-on crash occurred.

An inquest into their death was unable to establish why their Renault Kadjar had been in the wrong lane when it hit a black Range Rover travelling in the opposite direction, near Bodney, on January 14.

The hearing, at Norwich Coroner's Court, was told the couple, from Scoulton, near Watton, had been planning a takeaway with family later that day.

A bunch of flowers have been left near the scene, with a card addressed to Grandma and Grandad (Image: Chris Bishop)

Mr Darby, a retired carpenter and former magistrate, was driving, with Mrs Darby, a former teacher, a passenger.

They had been travelling towards Swaffham to visit family when the crash occurred.

READ MORE: Missing teacher was found dead in woodland after disappearing on his birthday

The former childhood sweethearts had four daughters, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In a statement, the family said: "Our one small mercy is that they died together and never had to experience life without one another."

TWO RANGE ROVERS

The inquest heard that the investigation into the crash was complicated by the fact that witnesses had seen a black Range Rover being driven "recklessly" and "erratically" in the moments before the crash, in the same area.

Police investigated the sightings but concluded that it was not the same vehicle that was involved in the collision, which was an older model.

Samantha Goward, the coroner, described this as a "pure coincidence".

Police at the scene of the collision, which happened near the entrance to Bodney Camp (Image: Chris Bishop)

The Range Rover driver involved in the accident, Peter Benn - who was 73 at the time - was badly injured. He suffered a collapsed lung and was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital.

He was tested for alcohol and drugs and police investigated his driving, concluding he was not responsible for the crash.

READ MORE: Elderly couple in Blue Badge battle with council

PC Jamie Hutchin, a forensic collision investigator, told the inquest he had determined from marks on the road and paint on the Renault that it had crossed into the oncoming lane.

He also concluded that Mr Benn, who was returning home to Shipdham on a scenic route from a trip to Waitrose in Swaffham, was travelling at 50mph, on a stretch where the limit was 60mph.

Mrs Goward concluded that "for reasons unknown" Mr Darby had crossed into the other lane.

RELIEF AND SADNESS OF OTHER DRIVER

After the inquest, Mr Benn spoke of his "enormous relief" that he was not at fault.

"Before going to sleep the last thing on my mind would be the two lives lost in the accident," Mr Benn said.

"I just couldn't bear the thought that I may have taken these two lives. It was a massive struggle and something I am still having to live with.

READ MORE: Tributes to rugby player, 23, after body found at children's play area

"I also feel lucky to be alive myself. For a period it felt like I was in the waiting room to see the Grim Reaper."

'WONDERFUL PARENTS'

In a statement, the Darbys' daughters said: "Words cannot express the profound sadness and distress we have felt as a family at the loss of our wonderful parents.

"Our parents, Peter and Kathy, were high school sweethearts and married for over 51 years.

"Family was everything to them. They were the most supportive and doting parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, who made us all feel so entirely loved.

READ MORE: Man, 24, who was engaged to his long-term girlfriend found dead at home

"Our mum was a brilliant teacher, beloved by pupils and staff all over Norfolk. Our dad ran a successful bespoke furniture company until he retired and spent a lot of time as a magistrate in the local courts.

"They were funny, constantly bouncing off each other and making us laugh. They were well-liked and always managed to make friends in every setting. They lit up whatever room they entered.

Flowers at the scene (Image: Chris Bishop)

"At the time of the accident, they were both very close to turning 70 and we wish we had had the opportunity to have a big joint celebration.

"Our family will never be the same and whilst we all cling to our memories, we all have a huge hole in our hearts and lives that can never be filled.

"Our one small mercy, throughout this ordeal, is that they died together and never had to experience life without one another.

"As a family, we would like to thank everyone who has reached out with condolences, memories and well-wishes. We would also like to thank Norfolk Constabulary for their efforts in investigating."