Businessman's dustcart death was accidental

Jonathan Schofield

AN INQUEST into the tragic death of a much-loved 26-year-old businessman has recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Gareth Weiland was hit by a dustcart after stepping out of a taxi in Bow, East London, in the early hours of the May Bank Holiday last year during a night out with friends.

The former Great Cornard Upper School pupil from Boxford suffered severe head injuries and died at the Royal London Hospital a short time later.

Following the inquest held in Poplar Coroner's Court in London two weeks ago his father paid tribute to his “wonderful” son.

He said: “He was a great son but in the last few years had developed into so much more than that. He had become a great friend and in some respects like a brother to me.

“We worked together for a telecoms company in Watford and when I was in the office our desks were opposite each other and our friendship grew and grew.”

During these visits Mr Weiland said he would always stay at his son's flat and enjoy a night of watching football and talking.

“The police had informed us what the outcome would be so we were not surprised by the verdict. Gareth was a wonderful man and it is still very difficult for all of us. Gareth's sister Helen has been greatly affected by what happened to her brother but at least now we do have a sense of closure,” he added.

Gareth Weiland had spent the day with friends in Twickenham watching a rugby tournament before he was killed. The group went out for drinks in the evening and were heading home when the tragedy happened.

The driver of the dustcart, Stephen Alderton, 46, of Rose Lane, Romford, pleaded guilty to speeding earlier this year. He was fined �300, ordered to pay �70 costs, a �15 victim surcharge and had his licence endorsed with three penalty points.

Earlier this year crowds of friends and family held a charity cricket day at Boxford Playing Fields to celebrate the life of Mr Weiland. His father said a similar event was planned for next year.