A GRANDFATHER died as a result of injuries he suffered in a car crash – but only after he returned home and told his wife he was unhurt, an inquest has heard.

A GRANDFATHER died as a result of injuries he suffered in a car crash – but only after he returned home and told his wife he was unhurt, an inquest has heard.

Michael Watson, 68, died at his home in Stoney Road, Grundisburgh, on December 6 after returning from the scene of his accident. The inquest at Ipswich was told his Renault car had struck a telegraph pole on a bend on Stoney Road at 6.10pm.

He was back home minutes later and told his wife Patricia, the crash happened after he was dazzled by the headlights of an oncoming car. But he told Mrs Watson he had not been hurt in the smash, although the car was "badly damaged".

The accident victim had been given a lift home after the crash, but police have been unable to trace the "Good Samaritan" who helped him.

Soon afterwards, Mrs Watson called 999 after failing to get a response from her husband. He was taken to Ipswich Hospital, but he died later that evening.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Greater Suffolk coroner Dr Peter Dean said the "unusual" set of circumstances – "where Mr Watson suffered serious injuries but was able to make his way home" – had been triggered by "a very tragic accident".