'Fit' likely cause of death crash hears inquest

Anthony Marfleet's van hit a 7.5 ton lorry head-on near the Powdermill Hotel, Catsfield, on the B2099 in August last year.

Mr Marfleet, 43, was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital but later died from multiple injuries.

The inquest heard how Mr Marfleet sometimes suffered from petit mal or 'absence' fits where he would lose awareness and suffer from staring spells.

He took medication for the condition and had regular appointments with specialists to confirm he was fit to drive.

His widow, Zoe Marfleet, of Park Lane, said: "He would drift off and didn't know what was happening. He had no control."

Mr Marfleet was travelling to work on the eastbound carriageway towards Telham on the day of the accident.

He overtook the car of witness Amanda Stuart, near Wylands Angling Centre, who said his Toyota Hiace van mounted the grass verge shortly afterwards, before coming back on the road.

The van went on to straddle both carriageways and struck a glancing blow to an Audi A4 in the opposite lane.

The inquest heard how it continued for several seconds before hitting a lorry driven by Graham Nicholson. .

He said: "It was just coming straight at me. I was amazed. Upon impact the van seemed to rise up and came across my cab, pushing it in."

The accident investigation conducted by police, confirmed Mr Marfleet had not tried to brake and his actions were consistent with someone suffering a medical episode.

Coroner Alan Craze said: "I have come to the conclusion, tentatively in my mind, he (Mr Marfleet) was probably suffering from a petit mal epileptic fit.

"It would certainly explain how this dreadful crash took place."

He recorded a verdict of accidental death.