A woman died after she was accidentally run over while checking the brakes on her husband's car, an inquest heard.

Beatrice Hutson was run over by the 2001 Daewoo Lanos, when her husband mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake on March 3.

Croydon Coroners Court heard the 68-year-old of Burlington Road, Thornton Heath, died of multiple injuries after the car hit her before carrying out a 180 degree turn, ending up in the driveway of a property two doors down.

Collision investigator PC Nick Brook, told the court the car was roadworthy and in full working condition, when the tragic accident occurred.

He said: "She had to go down to the end of the vehicle to get in because the passenger door was obstructed by a hedge.

"It would appear Mr Hutson got in his vehicle and in the process of taking it from the driveway he noticed one of the brake lights was defective.

"Mr Hutson asked his wife to check and was outside of the vehicle stood at the driver's door.

"He put his foot in the door to apply the brake to test it and it was at that point the vehicle suddenly accelerated."

PC Brook said the automatic car had been put in to reverse gear but he was unable to say whether the handbrake had been on.

He said: "Had the car been in neutral it couldn't have moved."

The retired human resources officer was rushed to Croydon University Hospital along with her husband, who also suffered injuries in the accident.

Mrs Hutson was not breathing when the ambulance arrived and despite resuscitation attempts, doctors were unable to save her.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Coroner Dr Roy Palmer said: "The car must have been in reverse, his foot was on the accelerator and not the brake and that lead to the tragic death of Mrs Hutson.

"I am very sorry you lost your mother in very sad circumstances."