A YOUNG woman who was on her way to see her boyfriend died after her car collided into a two metal posts and a wall, an inquest has heard.

Jessica White, who lived in Ilminster, was believed to be driving back there at around 12.45am on Friday, April 18, when the accident happened in Wellington Road, Taunton.

The 21-year-old was 2½ times the legal drink-drive limit when she crashed and was not wearing a seatbelt.

She suffered abdominal trauma and rib fractures in the incident and was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, but she died later that morning.

West Somerset Coroner Michael Rose recorded a verdict of accidental death.

He heard how on the Thursday evening Jessica had been at a private party at Tristan’s Restaurant in Taunton where she had worked as a waitress.

Christopher Cadby, Jessica’s former employer, said: “She was in good spirits and mingling with everyone – she was a bit tipsy.” “Afterwards we all went over to the Racehorse for last orders.

“She’d been drinking white wine spritzers all night, but here she had a cider and black.” At around 12.20pm Mr Cadby and his wife offered to give Jessica a lift home.

He said: “My wife hadn’t been drinking and we offered to give Jess a lift home as we were concerned about her walking all the way back to Galmington.

“We helped her into the house – we were completely unaware that she would get into her car that night." 

The court then heard how Jessica had called her boyfriend, saying she was going to drive home, ignoring his pleas not to.

Crash witness Andy Derrick was driving along Wellington Road from Taunton town centre when he saw sparks and a flash on the other side of the road.

He told the court: “It was quite surreal – I stopped my car, got out and went over to the car.

“I dialled 999 for an ambulance, but I was concerned because there was smoke coming out of the bonnet.

“I was worried it would go up in flames.”

Mr Derrick was joined by an off duty police sergeant who heard the noise from his house, and they moved Jessica from the car over to Mr Derrick’s van and waited for an ambulance.

Mr Derrick said: “There was blood on her face and she wasn’t fully conscious, but she was breathing.”

PC David Watson said they were unable to say what speed Jessica was travelling along the 30mph road as the car’s speedometer was frozen.

He said there were no faults found with the car which might have contributed to the accident.

Mr Rose said: “This was a very sad accident – she was intoxicated and that did play a part in the accident.

“I would warn anyone about the evils of drink.”