Mother died in go-kart tragedy

A 33-year-old Mid Wales mother died after crashing a go-kart, her inquest heard.

Jacqueline Green, of Fordd y Cain, Llanfyllin, died from head injuries following the crash near her home on October 31, her inquest at Welshpool Magistrates' Court heard yesterday.

Stephen Parry, of Llanfyllin, a friend of Jacqueline's, said the petrol powered go-kart did not have a brake in the same place as a car. He said this may have confused her, as he did not think she had used the go-kart before.

He said the go-kart must have hit the kerb, then "launched her into the air", causing her to land on the railing.

Ian McColm, of Llanrhaeadr, who had known Jacqueline for about 20 years, said the go-kart, built by her son, was "difficult to drive". He said: "It had constant drive on both back wheels which made it difficult to steer."

Constable Ian Pathak, of the Dyfed-Powys Police collision investigation unit, said on examination of the kart, the brake cable was disconnected and there was a stone in the carburettor, which would result in the vehicle running at a high speed. However, he said both defects appeared to be as a result of the collision.

Mr Peter Maddox, Powys coroner, recording a verdict of accidental death, said: "This was probably the first time she had driven that go-kart. She was not used to it or the way it handled. The brake worked with the left foot which is different to braking in a car."