A man was killed in a head-on collision after attempting to overtake several cars, an inquest has heard.

John McMahon, 52, was driving his gold Citroen Saxo along the A225 Shoreham Road in November when he attempted the manoeuvre as the road straightened out.

The groundworker, originally of Gravesend but living in Larkswood Close, Erith, would have had “insufficient time and space” to avoid colliding into an oncoming Honda Civic driven by Russell Mallinder, who was seriously injured in the crash and had to be taken to a London hospital.

The father-of-one’s car then hit two other vehicles, a Toyota Hilux pick-up truck and a Vauxhall Corsa, which was being driven by a man on a driving lesson.

The crash happened opposite Lullingstone Castle at 7am.

Although it was still dark Sergeant Christopher Wade, from Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, told coroner Roger Hatch the conditions would have had no affect on the outcome.

He said Roderick Lane, who was driving the Toyota, had told police Mr McMahon, pictured, had attempted to overtake at least four cars.

After hearing evidence at Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone, Mr Hatch concluded Mr McMahon’s death was the result of multiple injuries sustained in a road traffic collision.

At the time of Mr McMahon’s death his family paid tribute to him.

They said: “He was a happy, hard-working, fun-loving family man who lit up the lives of all who met him.

“John has left a huge void in everyone’s hearts, which can never be filled. He will be sorely missed by all.”