Families anguish as inquest reveals deadly cocktail of speed, drink and drugs
21/09/2010
The son of a "loving family man" killed when his car was hit by a speeding, drunk and drugged driver has spoken of his, and his families, anguish following the inquest into his death.
Mr Kenneth Marsh, 64, was killed instantly in the accident, which occurred in March earlier this year as he returned home from a prayer meeting. His wife Angelita, 63, who was also in the car, suffered severe orthopaedic and psychological damage in the collision, which had a "closing speed" of 130mph.
The Coroner, who recorded a narrative verdict of accidental death, said that the driver of the other vehicle, Mr James Dawkins, 20, had been driving at an excessive speed and that both drink and drugs had been "major factors" in the collision, in which both drivers died.
The family's lawyer, Mr Keith Barratt from Irwin Mitchell, said he hoped it would serve as a warning to all drivers of how drink and drugs could change lives 'in a split second'.
"Nothing will ever replace what this family have lost through such tragic and wholly avoidable circumstances. To suffer the death of a loved one is always extremely distressing but to know that the death could and should have been avoided is simply heartbreaking." he said.
"Though the verdict handed down here today will provide the family with some of the answers they had regarding the circumstances that led to Mr Marsh's death, they hope too that this tragic case can in some way serve as a warning to other motorists that drink, and drugs can change lives in a split second.
"We are now working with the family and local authorities to ensure that they receive access to all of the facts surrounding what happened that night."
Mr Marsh's eldest son Frank, 32, said: "Nothing can ever get back what we as a family have lost. He died because of the irresponsible actions of another who chose to get behind the wheel of a car despite knowing that he had been taking drugs and drinking as well as not holding a full driving licence.
"My dad was a kind, loving, family man and to know that his death, and my mum's injuries, could have been prevented is something we will never come to terms with."
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