The girlfriend of a man killed in a car crash has spoken of her heartbreak after losing the love of her life and father of their two-year-old son.

Charlotte Newton, 23, fought back tears as she paid tribute to 26-year-old James King, who died at the scene of the collision in Dartford Road, Sutton-at-Hone on Sunday, June 14.

The couple are parents to two-year-old Archie after starting a relationship more than four years ago when James approached Charlotte through Facebook.

Weeks before his death, James dropped a hint about asking Charlotte to marry him during a weekend away to celebrate her birthday.

“Me and Archie loved James so much and you never know when that is going to end, so tell people how much you love them" - Charlotte

Charlotte said: “To me, James was one of the most romantic people you could meet.

“I can remember the first message he sent me. He said ‘you are the prettiest girl I have ever seen’. I knew straight away he was a keeper.

“I used to live around fields and one evening he came round with a picnic blanket so we could watch the shooting stars.

“He brought Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, flowers and asked me out. Obviously I said yes because he was so charming.

“He treated me like a princess.”

Charlotte was relaxing at home watching TV when she received the devastating phone call from James’s brother Alfie, 22, about the crash.

She says she cannot see a future without James but has made plans to create a memory box for Archie to show him about the man she fell in love with.

Charlotte said: “I have said to so many people just don’t waste time with the people you love.

“I don’t know how I’m meant to carry on with just me and Arch without him being there.

“It is heartbreaking. I get my okay moments and then I’m bursting out crying. Just don’t argue with each other because life is too short.

“Me and Archie loved James so much and you never know when that is going to end, so tell people how much you love them.”

James, who lived in Darenth, worked as a driver for Rentavent in Dartford and was described as a young man who enjoyed work, seeing his friends and spending time with his son.

Last Tuesday, more than 100 mourners paid their respects at the site of the crash including a convoy of cars from Performance UK, a car club where James was a member.

James’s brother Alfie said he was “overwhelmed” with the turnout.

Charlotte added: “James loved a trip to the pub but mostly he enjoyed being around his friends.

“He was such a hard worker. He would always come back with a smile on his face telling me he had a good day at work.

“He loved Archie, he was really good with him. He bought him a little Range Rover to take out everywhere and showed him off at Performance UK.

“We have had so much support and James’ family have been a real comfort to me. We need to stick together and make sure Archie remembers him.

“I’m going to keep a box for him and gather some bits to keep his memory going. It’s about as much as we can do.”

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