Hearing into death of Villa supporter after second city derby match

May 15 2008 By Chris Henwood

AN inquest into the death of Villa fan Christopher Priest, who died following a road accident after last month’s second city derby, was opened and adjourned today .

His mother, Barbara Priest, of George Road, Sutton Coldfield, attended Birmingham Coroner’s Court to confirm her 26-year-old son’s details and plans for cremation.

West Midlands police officer Stephen Walters told coroner Aidan Cotter the force had no objections to Christopher’s body being released for the funeral.

Mr Cotter said: "I need to be sure the police are really satisfied there is no possibility they will need another post mortem."

He issued the family with an interim certificate of death, pending the conclusion of the inquest, for which no date was set.

The inquest opened following the conclusion of a second post mortem on Mr Priest, of New Oscott, yesterday.

The driver of the car was arrested initially on suspicion of murder but later released on bail. It is now thought he may eventually face a lesser charge.

Two other men have also been bailed in connection with the incident.

Police have repeatedly stressed that the fatal collision was not related to football rivalries.