A LAWYER who regularly worked at both Maidstone and Canterbury crown courts has died in a road accident. Paul Mee, 40, a former pupil at Simon Langton School, Canterbury, was married with two children.

The accident happened when his VW Golf collided with a Renault lorry on the Hamstreet by-pass near Ashford.

Mr Mee, who lived in Blackheath, worked for the Six Pump Court chambers in London and was involved in both criminal and civil matters.

Tributes have been paid to him in the presence of his widow, Laura at the Crown Court. Senior Judge, Andrew Patience, QC, said: "It was a pleasure for me and fellow judges when he appeared before us in our courts. I was stunned with disbelief when I heard the ghastly news and I extend my heartfelt and deepest sympathy to his family."

A friend from Mr Mee's chambers, Oliver Saxby said: "He was the very best of men, decent and honest with the very best of values. He was also immensely popular within the chambers and at the Bar as a whole."

A police investigation is underway into the accident. An inquest will be held.