Friends killed in freak holiday tragedy

TRAGIC . . . Derek Gent

A FORMER head of Oldham Trading Standards and his best friend were killed on holiday in Thailand when an out-of-control car ploughed into them, an inquest heard.

Derek Gent and Mike Holmes, both 68, had been friends for over 30 years and were on a dream trip to the Far East with their wives, Christine and Janet.

An inquest at the Phoenix Centre in Heywood heard how, in March 2013, the driver of a grey Toyota was trying to overtake and clipped another car at high speed on a narrow road, spinning out of control.

The Toyota ploughed into both men on the pavement, killing them instantly, then smashing into a restaurant. Their wives were at the hotel at the time.

The 33-year-old driver was charged with negligence, given a two-year suspended jail term with a year’s probation and fined £950.

Coroner Simon Nelson said a lack of detail in the translated records from the Thai authorities meant it unknown exactly how quickly the Toyota was moving. There was also no statement from the other driver.

He said: “The quality of the information bears little similarity to that I would expect in similar circumstances from Greater Manchester Police. These were two fine gentlemen endeavouring to get the most out of their retirement after working industriously for many years. What should have been the most enjoyable of times ended so tragically.”

Mr Gent, of Croft Head Drive, Milnrow, leaves his widow Christine and their two daughters. Mr Holmes, a former industrial sales rep of Yeomans Close, Milnrow, leaves his widow Janet and their three children.

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