A pensioner was killed when he walked out from behind a bus and was hit by a drink-driver.

Coroner Veronica Hamilton-Deeley recorded a verdict of accidental death at Kenneth Shepherd's inquest yesterday.

The driver, Brighton University student Michael Uren, was jailed for five months by Brighton magistrates on May 22 after admitting drink-driving and failing to stop.

Mr Shepherd, 69, of De Montfort Road, Brighton, was enjoying a Saturday night out in the city when he stepped into Elm Grove and was hit on February 9.

PC Christopher Burt, from the crash investigation unit at Shoreham police station, said: "There's no scientific proof but there's a strong possibility Mr Shepherd stepped out from behind a bus."

PC Burt said the bright lights of the bus could have blinded Uren, 24, of Washington Street, Brighton, who was driving a white Vauxhall Corsa, and the bus itself could have prevented Mr Shepherd seeing the car coming.

The pensioner was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital for treatment but died of his injuries.

Pathologist Dr Neera Patel said: "The post-mortem showed Mr Shepherd had severe coronary artery disease but it is very unlikely he had a heart attack and fell in the road."

Mrs Hamilton-Deeley said: "It appears Mr Shepherd crossed from the bus stop behind the bus, which disadvantaged both parties and resulted in this tragic crash in which Mr Shepherd died from multiple injuries."