by Hayley Robinson

An inquest into the death of a fall victim has been adjourned so a jury can be appointed.

David Vandepeer’s daughter Juliette, his brother Malcolm Vandepeer and his wife Valerie, attended the hearing last Thursday.

The 64-year-old died on August 14 last year after scaffolding he was using to paint his niece’s house in Chalkwell Road, Sittingbourne, collapsed.

Coroner Patricia Harding was expected to record a verdict after hearing about the circumstances surrounding the death.

But proceedings, which were held at the Archbishop’s Palace, Maidstone, were halted when the builder’s sister-in-law was called to give evidence.

Problems arose when Mrs Harding stated she understood that the dad-of-four, of Parsonage Lane, Bredgar, had been carrying the work out as a favour, but Mrs Vandepeer corrected her saying he was being paid.

She said: "It was an agreement between me and my husband. We were paying for it for my daughter."

Investigating officer Sgt Michael Guard was then called forward.

He confirmed that after several conversations with the Health and Safety Executive, it was his understanding that Mr Vandepeer wasn’t receiving payment as the agency had said it wasn’t a matter for them to investigate as it wasn’t an employment issue.

Mrs Harding explained to the family that due to the information provided by Mrs Vandepeer she was unable to continue with the inquest.

She said: "In terms of the findings it may make little difference but I am required by law when the death has occurred in connection with work to have a jury. I cannot get around it I’m afraid.

"It’s not my fault. There appears to have been a miscommunication or misunderstanding by those investigating. I’m not suggesting it’s the police. It may be another agency.

"I’m sorry, there’s nothing I can do. I’m going to have to make an inquiry as to what happened.

"We will try and deal with it as quickly as we can."

Commenting afterwards, Mr Vandepeer, from Sittingbourne, said: "It has caused some upset for us."

The case will resume at County Hall, Maidstone, at 10.30am on Friday, June 28.