Dad in long-running row over compensation dies
A father who spent five years fighting the council for compensation for his disabled stepdaughter has died before the court could return its verdict.
David Woolfries had a heart attack just four days after giving evidence when the case came before Maidstone County Courtlast month, and subsequently passed away on July 13.
District judge Susan Sullivan was set to rule on Friday, but instead adjourned the hearing after receiving the news. His funeral was held the day before.
The retired draughtsman, who was 77 and lived in Union Street, Maidstone, with his wife Edna and step-daughter Julia Knight, had been suing Maidstone Borough Council.
The case was brought after Miss Knight fractured her arm in a fall when she misjudged the step down from the kerb at a bus stop in King Street.
She was taken to hospital and her arm put in plaster for three months, leaving her unable to bathe herself or cut up food.
The paving had recently been revamped as part of a £2m regen- eration scheme and was made from the same material used in the lay-by itself. Mr Woolfries, who spent five years locked in a legal wrangle with the council’s insurers, argued the kerb was not easily visible and the design dangerous.
Following the works there were 41 reports of trips and falls in the High Street area. Yellow lines were painted by the kerb shortly afterwards and the granite lay-by later replaced with asphalt.
Now Mr Woolfries’ friend David Savory has applied to take the case forward on behalf of Miss Knight, who has severe learning difficulties and autism and
cannot represent herself. Mr Savory said: “David was not fighting this for compensation - it was the lowest amount you can claim for in a court - it was to make the council understand its responsibilities. I want to continue the work he has done.” A couple from Linton are due to appear in court in Lithuania facing allegations men worked under forced labour at their farm.
The men were employed by DJ Houghton Catching Services Limited owned by Darrell Houghton and Jackie Judge, pictured, to catch poultry to be transported to factories.
A joint investigation between Kent Police and Lithuanian authorities saw a 53-year-old Lithuanian man arrested in Lithuania in December. He will also appear in court over people trafficking charges.
In October 2012 officers carried out a warrant and identified more than 30 men as potential victims. Houghton and Judge were arrested but Kent Police said there was insufficient evidence against them and they were released without charge.
They have always strongly denied any wrongdoing.
However, six Lithuanian men won a settlement worth more than £1m after taking their case against Houghton and Judge to London’s High Court.
A date has not yet been set for the hearing in Lithuania.