Van driver who shot himself after killing biker at M25 roundabout should have been wearing glasses, inquest hears

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A van driver who shot himself after being involved in a crash that killed a “cherished” father should have been wearing his glasses, an inquest has heard.

Motorcyclist Anthony Laskier – known as Tony – died on December 17 after a Ford Transit van drove into the back of him, and then over him, at a roundabout off Junction 4 of the M25.

The van was driven by William Harvey, who took his own life a month later, just hours before he was due to be interviewed by police and possibly charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

Speaking to KentOnline, Mr Laskier’s wife of 36 years, Debbie, said the tragic incident led to the unnecessary death of two men.

“I was in shock when officers told me,” the former charity worker said. “I just felt sorry for his [Mr Harvey] wife.

“I was upset he couldn’t be charged, but upset that another life was lost.

The fatal crash happened at around 4.45pm on the motorway slip road near Orpington as Mr Laskier was driving southbound from the Dartford Crossing.

An inquest at Oakwood House in Maidstone on Monday heard that there was nothing Mr Laskier, who was 69, could do to avoid the collision. He was wearing a hi-vis vest at the time.

At the hearing, it was said Mr Laskier was unseated after being hit by the van driver, who collided with him at 17mph, which continued for 40 metres with the grandfather underneath.

He was trapped under the van for 20 minutes as members of the public and highways officers tried to help him. Eventually, firefighters were able to free him.

Detective Constable Victoria Steward told the hearing that Mr Harvey was likely distracted or checking for traffic approaching from the right as he approached the roundabout.

She said: “He [Mr Harvey] did not stop as he reached the top of the slip road. Due to the force of the impact, Mr Laskier was unseated and ended up under the van.”

When interviewed at the scene, Mr Harvey was described as “emotional and apologetic” and was asked to complete a sight test at the roadside.

The court heard he complained he couldn’t see well and was unable to correctly read a number plate 20 metres away.

Giving evidence, DC Steward said Mr Harvey was due to be formally interviewed by police on January 20, but he had died that morning.

In February, KentOnline revealed the 70-year-old had taken his own life after “struggling” following the crash.

Mr Harvey was found dead in the garage of his home in Southfleet Road, Bean, near Dartford.

His cause of death was given as self-inflicted gunshot injuries.

DC Steward told the hearing that the police were going to send the case to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider a charge of causing death by dangerous or careless driving.

She went on to tell the court that the van driver should have been wearing glasses while driving, but wasn’t.

Coroner Venessa Holt gave a conclusion of a road traffic collision, and said Mr Laskier’s cause of death was chest, neck and head injuries.

The retired insurance broker was previously described by his heartbroken family as a “beautiful soul”.

Debbie Laskier, who met her husband on holiday 40 years ago, said the motorbike fanatic was generous and had only been retired for a little over a year.

She added: “We had all these plans for holidays, but they were taken away from me.

“He was very hands-on and helpful. He’d surprise me a lot of the time with meals or birthday celebrations.

“I left for work that morning and told him I’d see him later – I had no idea it was the last time I’d see him.”

At the time of his death, Mr Laskier’s family shared a statement with KentOnline.

It said: “Our hearts are broken as we share the loss of our beloved Anthony Laskier.

“Tony was a cherished husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend whose kindness and laughter touched everyone who knew him.

“Taken from us far too soon in a road traffic collision, his absence leaves an unimaginable void in our lives.

The road was shut for more than 11 hours while emergency services, including firefighters and paramedics, worked to make it safe.

Mr Laskier is survived by his wife, two daughters, Rebecca, 34, and Victoria, 32, as well as two brothers and a sister.

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