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Family of man, 19, killed in crash with bin lorry in Swanley, tells inquest review they want jury to hear case

A family has called for a jury to hear an inquest into their son's death after he was struck by a bin lorry.

Jack Bruce, 19, was killed when he was riding his bike in Swanley.

Tributes were laid near the place where Mr Bruce died after colliding with a bin lorry
Tributes were laid near the place where Mr Bruce died after colliding with a bin lorry

The teenager from Wilmington in Dartford died at the scene in Swanley Lane on September 15.

A pre-inquest review setting out details of how the hearing will take place was told the vehicle was driving on the road at the time of the incident and was not "operating the bins".

Solicitors for the family want all options on the table when the inquest is heard including a jury due to the involvement of the bin lorry.

The family suggested the chief constable should be called as a person of interest after raising concerns around a police investigation.

Sitting at County Hall in Maidstone, assistant coroner Alan Blunsdon refused to call the chief constable forward immediately to take part in the inquest proceedings but added this would be kept "under review".

The family representative Dominique Smith also said Mr Bruce's parents "would like to give live evidence" about "who Jack was as a person and what they were told about the accident".

Floral tributes at the scene of a fatal crash on Swanley Lane at the junction with New Road where 19-year-old cyclist Jack Bruce from Dartford was killed
Floral tributes at the scene of a fatal crash on Swanley Lane at the junction with New Road where 19-year-old cyclist Jack Bruce from Dartford was killed

Mrs Smith added: "It is important to them to say their piece about Jack."

She also stated that the family had been contacted by an eye-witness who although did not see the incident saw the lorry about four minutes before.

Mr Blundson also heard that there are CCTV and photos available which Mrs Smith said the family did not want to see.

She said that "one can piece together without that being shown" and that it was not necessary in the public interest for it to be shown.

Alex Stein who was representing Sevenoaks District Council and the lorry driver said that it may become necessary to see the footage if questions are raised over the driving of the vehicle.

Mr Blundson confirmed if it becomes relevant they may have to play it.

A decision was not made about if a jury will be called and no date for the full hearing was set.

Mr Blundson said he would consider written submissions from the family and council representatives before deciding.

Floral tributes were left near the scene of the incident on September 15 in tribute to Mr Bruce.

Messages of condolence were also left at the junction with New Road.

One read: "Darling Jack. So many memories, so much love. Shine brightly darling."

In a statement released at the time, a spokesman for Sevenoaks council, whose refuse vehicle was involved, said: "The emergency services did all they could at the scene, but sadly, the cyclist passed away soon after the accident. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the man’s family."

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