Ben LillyA GRIEVING father this week relived the last tragic moments before his 18-month-old son was crushed to death under a neighbour's car.

Nearly a year has passed since the death of toddler Ben Lilly, but the wounds are still raw for parents David and Julie.

An inquest held at the former Devizes magistrates' court on Wednesday heard Ben died on May 17 last year outside his home.

The toddler had been playing on his three-wheeled pushbike in the quiet cul-de-sac of Millards Way, Upton Scudamore, when neighbour Graham Pearce reversed his Nissan 4x4 out his driveway.

The car hit Ben with the rear offside wheel and he later died in hospital from multiple injuries.

Mr Lilly, who now lives in the High Street, Sutton Veny, said he asked Mr Pearce to look after Ben while he went inside to change his shoes.

His neighbour denied this, saying he spoke to Mr Lilly but had not been asked to watch over Ben.

Speaking at the inquest Mr Lilly said: "In case I don't ever have the chance again, I want to speak freely.

"I looked after Ben every day of his life and I never left him in danger.

"The thought that I would leave him outside on his own is completely incredulous and I'm not sure how anybody could think such a thing.

"Graham had built up a level of trust with our family and watched over the kids a lot.

"It was normal and natural if the kids were outside to say 'just watch over them'.

"Asking him was just a normal thing to do.

"We were chatting about worklife and holidays.

"Just before I left I said 'would you watch Ben I'm just going to change my shoes'."

Mr Lilly also alleged his neighbour had been talking on his mobile phone.

Mr Pearce denied this and phone records obtained by the police backed up his statement.

Police interviews read at the inquest gave Mr Pearce's version of events that tragic day.

He said: "I came out the office and had a chat with David.

"Ben was playing on his scooter. We talked about how fast he was going and how he had got it sussed.

"David went to wash his car and I didn't see Ben after that.

"I got into my car, put my seatbelt on and looked in my mirrors.

"I couldn't see anyone behind me so I reversed out the driveway. I felt some resistance so I stopped and he was just there."

Mr Lilly was inside his home and ran out after he heard shouting coming from the road.

He said: "Graham was standing there and asked me what he should do.

"I said 'call the bloody emergency services'."

Mr Lilly tried to administer first aid on his son while Mr Pearce called the ambulance.

Ben was rushed 20 miles to the Royal United Hospital, Bath, but despite surgeons' efforts he died that day.

At the inquest Mr Pearce was asked several questions about the accident but was advised he did not have to answer them.

Wiltshire coroner David Masters said this was to protect him against any civil action that could be brought against him.

Mr Masters gave a verdict of accidental death and spoke of 'the enormous tragedy'.

He said: "I extend my sympathies to Ben's family and to Mr Pearce who has to live with the consequence of his actions.

"So very sadly this wouldn't have taken place if only Mr Pearce had physically checked behind his car.

"He assumed that little boy was with his father and that he was nowhere near the car. That is why he reversed.

"I'm satisfied the phone records indicate that Mr Pearce was not on his mobile phone at the time of the accident.

"I realise that some people are unhappy with the outcome of this inquest but that is the law of this country."