A PENSIONER died seven months after suffering brain damage in a road accident, an inquest was told.

Harold Hepworth, 67, was knocked down outside his home in Halifax Road, Hightown Heights, Liversedge, on February 9 last year.

He died in Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield, on September 9.

A Huddersfield inquest heard how, just before the accident, Mr Hepworth had been dropped off near his house by a friend, Barry Paxman, of Laverhills, Liversedge.

As Mr Paxman drove off a motorcycle came towards him.

It was ridden by John Harrop, of Gladwin Street, Batley,

In his side mirror, Mr Paxman saw his friend catapulted into the air by the collision.

Mr Harrop told the inquest he was riding at 30mph on his 600cc Honda Hornet when he saw Mr Hepworth cross the road in front of him.

Despite swerving three times, Mr Harrop could not prevent a crash as Mr Hepworth walked one way and then another in a bid to get out of harm's way.

Mr Hepworth was treated in intensive care for head injuries before being moved to Pinderfields in June.

Doctors there found he had only limited understanding.

Mr Hepworth then developed pneumonia and died in September.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Roger Whittaker said: "If it had not been for the injuries sustained in this incident he would not have died at this time."

He said the motorcycle's speed would have been about 30mph.