Dad died in fall from ladder

From the archive, first published Wednesday 21st Jan 2004.

A devoted father died after plunging from a ladder during a routine maintenance job.

Kevin Smith, 43, was cutting ivy off a wall at a house in Montpelier Road, Brighton, when he fell and landed on his head.

The self-employed builder died the next day from multiple head injuries despite emergency neuro-surgery.

Mr Smith, of Parkway, Crawley, left two children - Danny, 13, and Tanya, 12.

His father, Paul Smith, said: "It was a tragic accident. His children absolutely idolised him and he was devoted to them and gave them so much love.

"They spent every weekend and school holiday with Kevin, who was separated from their mum Jill.

"She said that even though the kids lived with her they saw Kevin's house as their home because she had moved around such a lot."

MR Smith said his son's other passions included Tottenham Hotspurs FC and Rod Stewart.

His sister Mandy, 29, said: "I still miss him so much. He was always there for me and was such a good brother.

"I'll never forget coming downstairs one day when I was really young and finding him dancing around the sitting room in these tight trousers to Do You Think I'm Sexy."

Kevin's mother Valerie Holmes said: "It took a long time to get him to give up his flares, even when they went out of fashion."

His father said: "He never had a bad word to say about anybody. He was kind, conscientious and thoughtful - but also mischievous.

"The church was packed at his funeral. They didn't bother with hymns, they played Rod Stewart songs instead. It was very moving."

Mr Smith's Spurs heroes were Jimmy Greaves and Pat Jennings and an obituary appeared in the Spurs-Leeds match programme soon after his death.

He was also a fanatical gardener and left an immaculately-kept plot.

The Health and Safety Executive investigated the accident, which happened last August, but decided there was no cause to take any legal action as Mr Smith was self-employed and responsible for his own safety.

A jury conferred for less than half an hour before returning a verdict of accidental death at the inquest, which was held over two days at Hove Crown Court.

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