A RETIRED teacher was knocked down and killed – but the driver could not be brought to justice because there were no witnesses, an inquest heard.
Peter Harlock Lambert, 68, was struck by a red four by-four on Lennox Drive, Lupset Park, at 2.30pm on Saturday, July 23.
The inquest heard that although forensic evidence proved a Nissan Navara driven by James Duxfield had hit Mr Lambert there were no witnesses.
The two-day inquest, held last week, heard that Mr Lambert developed a massive head injury after being knocked down which he eventually died from on Sunday, July 24.
In June Duxfield was jailed for 28 months and banned from driving for three years after he admitted dangerous driving, fraud and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
He was called to give evidence at the inquest via a video link from prison.
Coroner David Hinchliff asked a number of questions but Duxfield repeatedly replied that he couldn’t remember.
His friends John Ward and Denver Finney, who were jailed after helping to hide the four-by-four at a disused airfield, were also called to give evidence.
Finney said Duxfield had never told anyone what really happened that day.
Recording a narrative verdict, Mr Hinchliff said: “The precise circumstances leading to this incident cannot be ascertained as there were no independent witnesses, nor has the driver ever given any explanation as to what happened.
“The driver was seen to leave the scene of this incident at high speed and was driving dangerously and erratically before going to considerable trouble to conceal the vehicle in the Gainsborough area of Lincolnshire.”
In a statement given after the verdict, Mrs Lambert said: “The shock, suddenness and terrible grief caused by this incident is beyond words and Peter is still missed terribly by his family and friends.
“The support that we have received from the police in particular has been so useful in getting us through this and we would like to thank them for their support.”
Comments