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Inquest opens into death of scaffolder, 32, amid murder investigation

A man who is believed to have died after falling off a 6ft wall and onto a passing car has now been named.

Emergency services were called following a collision in St Michael’s Road, Sittingbourne, on Saturday, August 2.

The A2 was closed while emergency services attended the incident in Sittingbourne. Picture: Mark Mattocks
The A2 was closed while emergency services attended the incident in Sittingbourne. Picture: Mark Mattocks

Ambulance and police vehicles were seen near the town’s railway station in Dover Street at 9.30pm.

Detectives launched a murder investigation and over the last week arrested three men in connection with the incident.

Jack Hunt, of Platinum Way in Borden, Chris McClean, of Pembury Court in Sittingbourne, and Daniel Martin, of Pembury Court in Sittingbourne, have all been charged with murder.

Further police inquiries have also led to a quantity of cocaine being seized.

At a preliminary court hearing last Friday (August 8), dates were set for a plea and trial preparation hearing on October 7.

An inquest was opened today into the death of the 32-year-old scaffolder. Picture: Joe Crossley
An inquest was opened today into the death of the 32-year-old scaffolder. Picture: Joe Crossley

One of the men who was due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court had been taken ill due to a suspected heart attack.

In light of not guilty pleas being entered, a trial is set to start on February 24 next year, with a two-to-three-week time estimate.

Today (August 15), area coroner Katrina Hepburn, at a hearing at Oakwood House in Maidstone, opened the inquest into the death of Jay David Gerrett.

She explained that a 999 call was made to the police by a driver who was travelling along the A2, who said that a man’s body had fallen onto the car from a 6ft wall.

Paramedics arrived and attempted CPR, but the 32-year-old was declared dead at the scene.

Floral tributes have been left at the scene. Picture: Joe Crossley
Floral tributes have been left at the scene. Picture: Joe Crossley

Ms Hepburn noted that it is believed Mr Gerrett died as a result of the impact of the vehicle.

She added: “Following a review of CCTV footage, it showed him walking along the High Street with three other males.

“It is possible that he was trying to get away from them.”

Mr Gerrett was a scaffolder and lived in Redmayne Drive, Chelmsford.

Floral tributes have been left along St Michael’s Road, with one that reads: “Special partner. Forever and always in my heart. I love you.”

The inquest took place at Oakwood House in Maidstone. Stock picture
The inquest took place at Oakwood House in Maidstone. Stock picture

His cause of death was “not ascertained” and is pending further investigation.

It was recorded that the inquest had been opened and suspended for a period of 28 days.

This is due to the ongoing police investigation and that a person may be charged with a criminal offence in relation to his death.

Anyone with relevant information should contact police on 01622 690690 quoting 46/133971/25.

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