Pc's sea scooter death accidental

A policewoman died in Kenya when she was thrown from a sea scooter which then hit her, an inquest has heard.

Metropolitan Police officer Sally Roberts, 28, from Worthing, Sussex, had been riding the machine with boyfriend Andrew Freeman in September 2006.

West Sussex deputy coroner David Skipp said it was an adventure the couple went on but "tragically the forces of nature conspired against them".

He recorded a verdict of accidental death at Worthing Town Hall.

Pathologist Dr Jeremy Grant, from Worthing Hospital, said Pc Roberts suffered severe injuries including fractures to the base of her skull.

He said: "With these injuries there would have been no chance of resuscitation unless it was in an intensive care facility where there was blood transfusion immediately available and other facilities to keep Sally alive."

Dolphin spotting

Mr Grant said there was no sign of drowning and the woman's injuries were consistent with her receiving a severe blow by a blunt object such as a free-floating sea scooter.

Mr Freeman told the hearing he had ridden sea scooters on other holidays and had no concerns about the condition or safety of the machine.

He said the pair had hoped to spot dolphins off the Mombasa coast.

The inquest heard a wave flipped the couple into the sea, and Mr Freeman tried to push his girlfriend away to protect her.

But a second wave bore down and sent the machine crashing on to Miss Roberts, who would have been knocked unconscious almost immediately.

Another person brought her ashore, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, the hearing was told.

Miss Roberts' parents, Jackie and Gordon said: "We're still struggling to come to terms with losing Sally. We hope that now the inquests in Kenya and England are complete, that we will have peace to grieve, as we remember our loving daughter."

Her colleagues at the police force said she was "still missed".

Croydon Borough Commander Supt Adrian Roberts said: "She was a popular dedicated police officer and has left a positive legacy in the community she served, fuelled by her wish to help people."

Mr Freeman declined to comment after the hearing.

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