Former Oldham Trading Standards Head Killed in Freak Accident

A former head of Oldham Trading Standards was killed, along with his best friend, in a freak accident while on holiday in Thailand.

Derek Gent and Mike Holmes, both 68 years of age, flew to the popular holiday destination with their wives, Christine and Janet. The men, who had been friends for over thirty years, were walking along a pavement when a driver tried to overtake another car but clipped it at high speed and span out of control.

The driver ploughed into both men in his Toyota before smashing into a restaurant, killing them instantly while their wives were at the hotel. The driver, 33, was charged with negligence, given a two year suspended jail sentence with a year's probation and fined £950.

Coroner Simon Nelson, who stated there was a lack of detail from the Thai authorities' translated records, said:

"The quality of the information bears little similarity to that I would expect in similar circumstances from Greater Manchester Police. These were two fine gentlemen endeavouring to get the most out of their retirement after working industriously for many years. What should have been the most enjoyable of times ended so tragically."

If you've been involved in an accident and want to claim compensation, contact our personal injury solicitors on 0800 811 844 for advice.

Mellor Hargreaves Ltd

Personal Injury Solicitors