Mechanical defects may have caused a former international bowls player to lose control of his car and crash into a tree, a court has heard.

Alistair Hunter died in hospital a week after careering off the A1067 in Guist and colliding with a tree. He was 76.

An inquest into his death was held at Norfolk Coroner's Court, during which details of the incident were given.

The court heard Mr Hunter, of Foxley, near Dereham, had been driving towards Norwich on September 21 last year when he veered off the nearside of the road.

He was initially taken to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital before being transferred to Addenbrooke's in Cambridge.

He died on September 28 from a serious head injury suffered in the crash.

During the hearing, a forensic crash investigation report written by Michael Stolworthy was read to the court.

It revealed that examinations of the Audi A3 found corrosion to its rear subframe and to its offside stabiliser bar - mechanical defects which may have caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

However, Mr Stolworthy said it could also not be ruled out that Mr Hunter suffered a medical episode at the wheel which may also have caused the crash.

John Grant, a pathologist who carried out a post mortem examination identified ischemic heart disease as a contributing factor in his death.

He said: "It is possible a myocardial event may have led to him losing control of his vehicle while driving."

Jacqueline Lake, Norfolk's senior coroner, concluded that Mr Hunter died as a result of a road traffic collision.

Family's tribute

(Image: Hunter family)

Following the conclusion of the inquest, members of Mr Hunter's family issued a tribute.

They said: "Alistair, who originated from Edinburgh, was a keen bowls player. He played nationally for Scotland and latterly for Bintree Bowls club.

"He was a volunteer at Fakenham Gas Museum and a loved and respected member of his community.

"Alistair is greatly missed by his partner Fiona, his son Mark, his daughter Holly and his granddaughter Caitlin."