A DRIVER was branded callous by a coroner for fleeing after hitting a pedestrian who later died.

Father-of-two Gareth Evans, 34, died from severe head injuries in hospital three days after he was struck by a car driven by Ross Williams on the evening of Friday, April 30.

A popular doorman at Yates' Wine Lodge, 6ft 3in Mr Evans, of Llanthewy Road, Newport, was known as a "gentle giant" to family and friends, the inquest was told.

He was hit as he walked to work, crossing the dual carriageway on the Queensway.

An inquest in Newport yesterday heard how the Vauxhall Cavalier driven by Mr Williams, aged 19, formerly of St Woolos Place, was found ablaze later that night in the Allt-yr-yn area of the city.

The inquest heard how the Mr Williams only held a provisional licence and admitted to detectives that he was the driver and that he had not stopped at a "Give Way" line before hitting Mr Evans.

Detective Constable Simon Morgan told the court how Mr Williams had said that Mr Evans "had come from nowhere".

Mr Williams then drove off and left the scene where one of the car's number plates was later discovered.

Mr Evans was taken to Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital before being transferred to a specialist unit at the University of Wales Hospital, Cardiff, where he died from severe injuries.

Police Constable Stewart Stirling, from the Gwent Police forensic collision investigation unit, said he examined the burnt Cavalier a few days after the collision.

He said he found damage to the edge of the roof consistent with the car having hit something which "most likely was Mr Evans".

PC Stirling said the police could not determine accurately the car's speed. Gwent Coroner David Bowen said: "Ross Williams showed a callous disregard for Mr Evans' well-being.

"Instead of stopping to investigate, he drove away from the scene."

Mr Bowen said Mr Evans' death had been caused as a result of carelessness although it had been "unintended carelessness".

He recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Speaking outside the court, Mr Evans' father, Alan Evans, of Caerleon, said: "My son was a real gentle giant and his death has changed our lives.

"I was shocked after his death to find out how many people he knew and we've had a collection of almost £5,000 that has been raised for the family."

* Ross Williams, 19, was due to appear before Newport crown court today.

He is charged with four counts in connection with the death of Gareth Evans which include driving without due care and attention, failing to stop at the scene of an accident, failing to report an accident within 24 hours and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

He is also charged with not having a full driving licence and insurance.