Tragic soldier killed by speeding driver

AN OLDHAM soldier died of multiple injuries when he was struck by a speeding truck in Germany while returning to his Army base after socialising with friends.

An inquest on Friday heard how Sergeant Kirt Connell (33), from Oldham ­- a devoted husband and adoring father-of-two ­- was crossing the road towards the entrance of a British Army base in Paderborn when he was hit by a speeding van on February 14, 2015.

Sergeant Connell, who was returning to the base after enjoying a night out, sustained a skull fracture, multiple rib fractures, spinal fractures, internal bleeding and fractures to his right lower leg which showed he was struck from behind while in an upright position.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sergeant Connell had been drinking, however this did not impact upon the outcome of the incident. The hearing was told how the driver of the vehicle was travelling between 93 and 104km per hour (58-65mph) in a 50km per hour zone before hitting Sergeant Connell at between 85-95km per hour after attempting to brake.

He has appeared in court in Germany and was fined, however the prosecution are appealing for a custodial sentence.

Active

Sergeant Connell's wife Joanne Connell, living in Germany, who also served in the Armed Forces, was in France on a skiing trip with their two daughters when they heard the tragic news.

Coroner Catherine McKenna, speaking to Joanne via telephone link, said: "Kirt was a father and an active man who joined the Army when he was 18.

"On the evening of February 14, Kirt had gone out to the local town with friends.

"Kirt had been drinking but that does not detract from the driver who was driving at excess speed.

"I conclude that on the evening of February 14 , Sergeant Kirt Connell was hit by a vehicle travelling at significant speed, he died at the scene from a road traffic collision causing multiple injuries.

"Kirt was a devoted father and husband."