Death mast 'was tied up securely'

Sarah James later died of head injuries in hospital

A man accused of killing a 19-year-old woman with the mast of a boat he was towing has told a court he ensured he fastened it securely.

Sarah James, of Highley, Shropshire, was in a car when she was hit on the head by the mast in Dowles Road, Bewdley, Worcestershire, in June 2008.

Mark Tissiman, 47, of Kidderminster Road, Bewdley, denies the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

The prosecution at Hereford Crown Court claims the mast was not tied properly.

Earlier in his trial, the jury heard Mr Tissiman had been towing his dingy from Chelmarsh Reservoir.

The prosecution has alleged that Mr Tissiman had failed to secure the mast sufficiently, which they said came loose and swung out "like a medieval joust".

The court heard how that mast then hit the oncoming car in which Miss James had been a passenger.

Miss James later died from serious head injuries in hospital.

The trial continues.