A Croydon drug dealer accused of deliberately killing a Swanley man by running him over and dragging him 100 metres up a road has been cleared of both murder and manslaughter.

Erasmus Ahwoi, 30, who denied causing the death of Thomas Rossiter in Lynden Way, Swanley, has been found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

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Tributes to Mr Rossiter, left in Lynden Way

A jury at Maidstone Crown Court returned the verdict, with a majority of 10 - 2, today (January 18).

During a trial, the court heard that Mr Rossiter died from multiple, severe injuries after being hit by Ahwoi's Kia Venga during a failed drug deal in July last year.

Ahwoi told the jury that the pair had jumped into his car to buy "light" or crack cocaine.

He went on to say that when he was presented with £10 instead of £60 by Mr Rossiter, he refused the offer and was put into a stranglehold by Mr Lee.

Mr Rossiter got out of the car and stood in front of it before Ahwoi drove off, dragging him underneath.

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Giving evidence during the trial, witness Natalie Knapp said: "Tom was now in front of the car and I think he was down on his knees trying to pick up a phone or something.

"Joe was saying 'don’t kill him, don’t kill him'.

"Tom was under the car and I saw his arm on the bonnet trying to hold himself up. The car was then driving slightly faster.

"Tom was shouting ‘God help me, God help me'."

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Gossett said: "Mr Rossiter found himself trapped underneath the car as Ahwoi made no attempt to stop the vehicle and fled the scene. He suffered a number of horrific injuries which ultimately led to his death.

"I would like to thank the family for the dignity and courage they have shown throughout this investigation and witnesses for the evidence they have given, which has helped ensure Ahwoi was brought before the courts."

Ahwoi will be sentenced in the week commencing February 8.