A “much loved” father-to-be who died when his van overturned in a crash on Darenth Hill was almost four times the drink-drive limit, an inquest heard.

Landscape gardener Danny Downes, 32, from Darenth, also wasn’t wearing a seatbelt when he lost control of his white Peugeot Partner van on the evening of Saturday, June 18.

He died at the scene.

Giving evidence at a hearing today, PC David Burley told how the vehicle had left the road, mounted a grass bank and collided with several wooden posts and a lamppost before sliding.

No other vehicles were involved, the weather was dry, there were no defects on the Peugeot and the driver’s seatbelt was not in use at the time of the collision.

He said toxicology tests showed Mr Downes had 307mg in 100ml of blood. The legal limit is 80.

Other evidence showed the vehicle was travelling in excess of 60mph. The speed limit on Darenth Hill is 40mph dropping to 30mph.

The vehicle was in neutral, and PC Burley said he could not rule out that Mr Downes had been distracted by something while changing gear.

Coroner Roger Hatch said a post-mortem examination by pathologist David Fish gave the cause of death as severe chest and neck injuries.

He recorded a verdict of death due to a road traffic collision, and expressed his condolences to the family.

Several of Mr Downes’ relatives attended the inquest at Gravesend Old Town Hall.

Dartford-born Mr Downes had been looking forward to becoming a father and his family said after the hearing his son was born four weeks ago. His middle name is Danny.

A family statement issued shortly after Mr Downes’ death said: “Danny was a much loved son, brother, grandson, fiancé, stepdad and friend and was looking forward to being a dad to his little baby boy.

“It brings comfort to us all knowing that Danny’s memory will live on through him.

“He was dedicated to his work as a landscaper, as well as being a bit of a jack the lad. He had a love for motorbikes and was at his happiest whilst riding his bike.

“He wore his heart on his sleeve.”