Pensioner’s M20 death a ‘mystery’
A 71-YEAR-OLD Snodland man deliberately ran into the path of a lorry travelling along the M20 but itwas unclear whether he meant to take his own life, an inquest at Maidstone heard. Derek Ringe, a retired welder at Chatham Dockyard, where he was nicknamed ‘Lucky’, had led a happy life with his wife, Elvira, and family. She described in a statement how he would take her for breakfast
atWetherspoon’s inMaidstone, and said that they were all right fi- nancially and had a good life. But there was a change in his character in the six months before
his death from multiple injuries on Saturday, February 5. Mrs Ringe said he was worried about getting Alzheimer’s. “He was absolutely terrified of getting what his brother and mum died
of. He said he would kill himself if he got that.” He became moody and didn’t want to do anything, and they stopped going out for the breakfasts. On the day he died,Mr Ringe had gone shopping for food, but re- turned to their home in Apple Close, Ham Hill, without anything suitable for his wife – a diabetic – to eat. She asked him about the food, but he walked out of the house without saying his usual goodbye, and it was the last time she saw him.
Around an hour later, shortly after 6pm, he parked his FordMon-
deo estate on the hard shoulder of the coastbound side of the M20, between Leybourne and Aylesford, and ran towards a lorry. Truck driver John Pickering said: “He was looking me straight in
Care costs for elderly and vulnerable raised
KCCHASannounced increased charges for the elderly and vulnerable to receive care support. The decision means KCC will:
MaidstoneMayor Cllr BrianMortimer talks to exhibitor Diane Sergeant from Maidstone Visual Arts Network
Creative talents at
Town Hall exhibition PHOTOGRAPHERS, painters, musicians and others with a creative flair were at an art exhibition at Maidstone Town Hall. The event, which welcomed art organ- isations and members of the business community to display their creative tal- ents, was organised by Cllr David Pick- ett.
He said: “I wanted to fly the flag for
arts and culture in Maidstone. It is the first showcase we have put on, and hopefully we will do it again at a later date in a bigger area. “It is a chance for people to network together.” Twelve organisations attended, includ-
ingMaidstone Youth Music Society, who performed songs. Local artist Gra- ham Clarke opened the event with Maid- stone Mayor Cllr Brian Mortimer.
Youth group gets
Hazlitt set piece MAIDSTONE Lions Club donated £2,900 for the Harmony Youth Theatre Group to hire out the Ha- zlitt Theatre for its annual concert. The show, entitled GypsyMagic, ran from Oc- tober 19 to 22 and featured youngsters from the Man- gravet area of Maidstone. Theclubaimstogive youngsters in the area an activity to encourage so- cial aid and a worthwhile hobby.
18 Malling To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330
Charge people who use mental health services in the same way as all other people in receipt of services Include day care and transport as part of the services that can be charged Raise the amount of available income that is taken into account when working out a person’s charge Reduce the standard amount allowed for the Disability Related Expenditure Assessment (DREA) from £21 to £17 per week for everyone The measures will raise an extra £2.9 million for the au- thority. Changes to do with the amount of available income anddisability-related expenditure allowance will be made first and new invoices should be received in mid January 2012. New invoices for mental health services, day care and transport will follow in April 2012.
New district commander returns to his roots
THEnew district police commander for Maidstone has begun his second stint in the county town. Chief inspector Adrian Futers (42) started his career in Maidstone in 1987 and, having risen through the ranks, has returned for a second spell. Hereplaces temporary chief inspector
Steve Griffiths, who is staying in Maid- stone, but moving to head up the police element of the Community Safety Unit, based in the bor- ough council offices. Chief Insp Futers previously worked in Tonbridge as a temporary superintendent. As the new district com- mander, he will oversee and control one of the largest policing districts in the county. Hesaid: “It feels like coming home. Iknowthe area well, having spent the first seven years of my service here and I previously played rugby for the local club.” Chief Insp Futers, who lives just outside Maidstone, is marriedwith two children and his wife is also a police officer.
the face with his arms in the air.” Mr Pickering braked immedi-
ately, but could not avoid him. Coroner PatriciaHarding said
there was no defect on the car which could have led Mr Ringe to pull over for help. She was satisfied that he deliberately ran in front of the lorry but said she could not record a verdict of suicide because there was no evidence that he had left home that day intending to take his own life. She recorded a narrative ver-
dict, saying his motive for standing in front of the lorry was unclear.
County Hall officer
denies £2m fraud AKENT County Council officer responsible for arranging energy contracts has denied fraud charges involving more than £2m.
Ross Knowles (42), of Larking
Drive, Allington, was head of energy procurement at KCC when he is alleged to have com- mitted two offences of fraud by abuse of position and one of transferring criminal property between August 12, 2008, and January 6 this year. Judge Philip Statman set the
trial at Maidstone Crown Court for March 19 next year. Knowles’s unconditional bail was continued.
Christmas cards
for charity on sale SHOPPERS in Maidstone can buy Christmas cards from more than 25 national and local char- ities in one place. Cards for Good Causes,which
sells charity cards across the country, has opened a shop at the Unitarian Church, Market Buildings, Earl Street. Staffed by volunteers, it is openMonday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, until December 17
Barn annex appeal PROPOSALS to replace an ex- isting two-storey barn building with a linked annex to themain house at Lane FarmHouse, Mill House Lane, Addington, will be considered by a planning in- spector.
Refusing the scheme, Ton- bridge and Malling Council said it was inappropriate be- cause of its size and was tanta- mount to a new dwelling.
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