A pedestrian died after walking in front of an oncoming bus and lying down in the road, an inquest heard.

Bus driver Keith Brown told how he tried to slam on the brakes but was unable to stop before his double-decker hit Christopher Johnson.

Mr Johnson, 43, of Stanley Road, Brighton, died from the injuries he suffered in the accident, which happened in Beaconsfield Road, Brighton, on the evening of May 17.

The inquest at Brighton Magistrates Court heard how Mr Johnson had a long history of psychiatric problems.

Tests carried out at the post-mortem examination showed he had a high level of alcohol in his blood and traces of cannabis, which would have effected his judgement.

On the day of his death he had spent a happy afternoon with friends and family watching the FA Cup final at a pub.

Brighton and Hove Coroner Veronica Hamilton-Deeley told the hearing there was no proof he had intended to take his own life and recorded a verdict that he died from injuries sustained in a road traffic accident.

The court heard Mr Johnson was hit by a 5B bus driven by Keith Brown, from Hove.

Following a police investigation, he is not going to face any criminal charges.

Mr Brown, a bus driver for nine years, said: "He got to the middle of the road and just lay down. There is nothing I could have done.

"He seemed to go down on his knees and just lay down. I hate to say it but he looked as if he knew what he was doing."