THE EMOTIONAL pain felt by Christine Close since her husband was killed by a schizophrenic has steadily worsened.

She passes sleepless nights pacing round her kitchen.

She has shied away from social gatherings.

But the widow has consistently compaigned to get to the bottom of circumstances surrounding her beloved David's violent end.

Tomorrow she hopes to hear some of the answers to her many, many questions when the findings of an inquiry are made public.

Mr Close, 67, died after a car driven by paranoid schizophrenic Phillip Craigie slammed into the back of his stationary Rover with such violence it was tossed into the air.

The 67-year-old, from West Fareham, was declared dead at the scene of the crash at traffic lights by Junction 11 of the M27, on the night of March 18 last year.

Craigie, of Longmynd Drive, Fareham drove at speeds of up to 100 mph and hit two other cars before he ploughed into Mr Close's vehicle.

Only the day before, Craigie had been arrested under the Mental Health Act, assessed by psychiatrist Dr Elizabeth Caesar, then released and taken home by his parents.

As a result of Mr Close's death Craigie was detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act.

He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and to two counts of dangerous driving.

Winchester Crown Court heard that the youngster was "obviously actively psychotic" when he was taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, by his father the day before the crash and the police were called because of his behaviour.

His Honour Judge Patrick Hooton described the 23-year-old as "potentially very dangerous". Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Health Authority held a review of the crash.

But, following Craigie's court hearing, Mrs Close demanded a fuller independent review.

The Zito Trust, a national charity dedicated to preventing deaths caused by the mentally ill, agreed.

Eventually, Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Health Authority complied and an inquiry was launched.

It was the first time the grieving widow was able to tell her side of the story to experts.

But the valiant pensioner told the Daily Echo she had been worn down by her quest.

"It all takes so much energy," she said.

"I really think I miss him more now than ever. At first there was so much to do - so much happening.

"Then it dawned on me that this was how life was always going to be.

"I know you've got to get on with life, but sometimes it's a bit of a chore to make yourself do things.

Christine and David Close were married for 41 years.

"I miss him at every twist and turn. He had a lovely dry sense of humour."