A VERDICT of accidental death was returned at an inquest into the death of seven-year-old Mai-Lea Falla.

The Vale Junior School pupil died on 29 November after being struck by a quad bike on Summerfield Road at about 6pm.

Law Officers’ liaison Nigel Burnard told the Magistrate’s Court yesterday that Mai-Lea had been carol singing with a friend, without her mother’s permission, when the incident happened.

Collision investigation officer Martyn Bougourd said there was nothing the quad bike driver could have done to avoid the incident and the Law Officers have said that there is no allegation of speeding.

At an earlier inquest it was determined that Mai-Lea died after suffering severe head injuries caused by the crash.