A SOLDIER died after the car he was driving crashed into a tree near Hollesley, an inquest has heard.

Captain Alan Crompton died of multiple injuries after the crash on the morning of September 24 last year.

An inquest held at Ip-City in Ipswich yesterday heard Cpt Crompton, a member of 51 Parachute squadron, of the 23 Engineer Regiment based at Rocks Barracks, near Woodbridge, was driving his silver Audi Quattro at speeds exceeding the 60mph limit, when he failed to negotiate a bend in the road before colliding with a tree.

The 27-year-old, from Skipton, near York was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

Greater Suffolk coroner Dr Peter Dean said witnesses estimated Cpt Crompton’s car was travelling at about 80mph. The speed limit in Heath Road, Hollesley is 60mph.

He said one witness spotted the car travelling behind her before it accelerated past her “at speed”.

Reading the witness statement, Dr Dean said: “The Audi got faster and faster and accelerated away.”

Post-mortem examinations revealed no trace of drugs or alcohol in Cpt Crompton’s system at the time of his death.

Dr Dean said an examination of the Audi performance car showed no signs of a fault, defect or problem that could have contributed to the crash.

He added that, although there are signs warning of deer in the area, there is no evidence of any animals causing the accident.

Dr Dean said the police collision investigation concluded the driving conditions on the day of the crash were “excellent” and confirmed Cpt Crompton had been travelling in excess of 60mph.

Dr Dean said the car had been unable to negotiate the right-hand bend.

Dr Dean recorded a verdict of accidental death.