A WOMAN killed in a fatal car crash in west Dorset has been formally named at an inquest.

Nicole Anne Bowden, 48, was struck by a car whilst she was walking with several family members in Mosterton on Wednesday, February 8.

The inquest into her death was opened and adjourned at a short hearing at Dorset Coroner’s Court on Friday, February 17.

Rachel Griffin, area coroner for Dorset, heard that Mrs Bowden, formerly Fox, passed away at 2.50pm at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.

Grace Munro, coroner’s officer, told the inquest that Mrs Bowden was walking with several members of her family on the A3066 that saw three pedestrians hit by a car, which then caught fire.

Ms Munro said Mrs Bowden was airlifted to Southmead Hospital where “she sadly did not recover from her injuries”.

A woman in her 20s was taken to hospital in a critical condition whilst a young boy sustained serious injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

Issuing an update today, a spokesperson for Dorset Police confirmed the injured child has been released from hospital.

Mrs Bowden was formally identified by her husband who attended the scene and provided police with a statement.

Pathologist Basil Purdue ruled the cause of death as injuries to Mrs Bowden’s leg and trunk.

Suspending the inquest on the basis of ongoing criminal proceedings, Ms Griffin said: “In relation to the death of Mrs Bowden I understand that there have been criminal charges bought in relation to an individual who has appeared before a magistrates’ court.

“I understand that that individual appear before Poole Magistrates Court’ on February 14: one of those charges relates to an offence of causing the death of Mrs Bowden as a consequence there is therefore an ongoing criminal investigation and I will suspend my investigation awaiting the outcome of the investigation within the criminal courts.”

The inquest has been adjourned for a pre inquest review to be heard on September 9, 2023 at 11am.

Shane Bovey, 40, and whose address was given as Monmouth Road in Yeovil, appeared before Poole Magistrates’ Court in connection with the fatal crash.

Bovey has been charged with with causing death by dangerous driving, two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop after a road traffic collision, causing death by driving a vehicle while uninsured, causing death by driving a vehicle while unlicensed, aggravated vehicle taking and making threats to kill.

Bovey will next appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on March 16.