Man’s death was an accident

The death of a man hit by a lorry in Sudbury was an accident, an inquest has decided.

Rodney Williams, 69, had apparently fallen from the pavement in Newton Road as the lorry drove past on February 25.

On Monday an inquest at Bury St Edmunds heard how a post-mortem examination showed there had been a high level of alcohol in Mr Williams’ blood at the time he died.

In a statement, lorry driver Peter Taylor said he had seen Mr Williams standing on the pavement beside the A131 at the junction with Chelsea Road as he drove past.

Seconds later as he checked his nearside mirrors Mr Taylor had seen Mr Williams beneath the rear wheels of his trailer. Mr Taylor said he tried to move out but had been unable to save Mr Williams.

Mr Williams was declared dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination concluded that he had died as a result of multiple injuries.

Tachograph records confirmed that the lorry had not been travelling at more than the speed limit.

A police accident investigation failed to identify any problems with the lorry, the road conditions or poor weather that could have contributed to the accident.

Dr Sharpstone recorded a conclusion of accidental death.