An Erith doctor was walking hand-in-hand with his wife moments before a van hit and killed him in Dartford, an inquest heard.

Dr Wilson Fok, 59, who worked as a GP at Northumberland Heath Medical Centre, died after being hit by a white Mercedes Vito van in Heath Lane at about 8pm on December 31 last year.

Speaking at Gravesend Old Town Hall today (July 20), assistant coroner Jeffrey Smith said to the driver of the vehicle, Simon Dodd, that his van would not have passed its MOT if it was tested at that time.

Mr Dodd’s horn and left-side hazard light were not working in the lead up to the fatal crash – something he claimed he was unaware of.

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Dr Wilson Fok

And his right-side headlight worked intermittently, according to police.

The driver said his van passed its MOT two months before the accident.

Mr Dodd told the coroner how he had not seen “anything or anyone” while driving in the road, but Police Constable Mark Chapelhow confirmed his visibility would have been better if both headlights were working.

He was driving under the speed limit of 30mph and said he heard a “thump” when making contact with Dr Fok.

Mr Dodd did not stop his car immediately after hitting Dr Fok because he was in shock, the court heard.

However, he pulled over 100-plus metres from the Hong Kong man and saw his wife, Tracey, crying and screaming next to his body.

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Tributes left at the scene of the fatal crash

Emergency services arrived within five minutes of a call being made, and Dr Fok was pronounced dead at the scene.

The couple were walking in a poorly lit road and on a side which was not the best side to walk on, according to Mr Smith.

He added that they were walking there because the pathway was flooded due to the wet Christmas weather.

A pathologist carried out a post-mortem examination at Darent Valley Hospital.

The cause of death was multiple injuries.

Dr Fok’s wife and children released a statement at the time of his death saying: "He was a loving husband, wonderful father, loyal friend and well-respected GP.

“Dad was an amazing father and real family man. Our house was always full of love and laughter – especially with his terrible 'dad jokes’.

“He taught us the same values he believed in, making us the children we are today.”

Mr Smith recorded a verdict of accidental death and commented that the fatal crash was “sad”.

Mr Dodd will face no further action by police.