A coroner has apologised to the family of a young couple who died in a car crash in Spain, for the length of time it took to complete their inquest.

Surbiton couple Emily Scourfield, 24, and Jamie Grafton, 27, and another passenger died on August 21, 2006, after their car crashed into a palm tree on a roundabout in the main road to Oriheula, in the Alicante province.

An inquest into their death was held at Woking Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, July 1.

They moved to Spain about a year before the accident, with dreams of opening their own restaurant after successfully working at the Liberty Bell in Surbiton, where Miss Scourfield was front-of-house and Mr Grafton was head chef.

Speaking after their death, Miss Scourfield’s father said it was impossible to talk about them separately as they were such a united and devoted couple.

Mrs Scourfield described her daughter, a former Surbiton High School pupil, as her best friend.

Explaining the inquest’s delay, coroner Michael Burgess said: “All investigations, save one, have been carried out abroad and we are reliant on the Spanish authorities for providing the paperwork.”

According to Spanish reports, there were no direct witnesses to the accident, the road was in good condition, the weather was fine and there was adequate sign posting. The roundabout was situated on a long, straight stretch of road and, despite it being signposted, the report read to the court acknowledged that could have had a bearing.

There were no skid marks which suggested Mr Grafton, who was driving the BMW, did not reduce his speed before hitting the roundabout.

The report read: “Initially it struck the kerb then it literally flew. The vehicle stopped instantly [when it hit the tree], causing fatal injuries to the occupants of the vehicle.”

The car, which Mr Grafton was in the process of buying, was severely damaged and the injuries of the three British nationals in the car were consistent with a road traffic incident, the court heard.

Drink samples taken from bodies for analysis were unreliable because embalming fluid had skewed the readings, but it was acknowledged Mr Grafton may have been drinking after he was witnessed before the crash saying he was going to have another drink then go home. The report continued: “The driver might have consumed alcohol in such quantity it might have had a negative affect on his driving.”

The Spanish investigation provided no calculation of the speed Mr Grafton was driving but it made the assumption it was above the 40kph speed limit.

Mr Burgess concluded: “Although speed is suggested that might not have been a contributory factor so the only option I have is to give a verdict of accidental death.

“Sorry that it has taken us all but three years to get there. My condolences to you and I’m sorry you were kept waiting this long.”