The heartbroken family of a fatal hit-and-run victim who was dragged underneath a car for almost 100m have paid tribute to a “one-of-a-kind” family man.

Speaking after a drug dealer was cleared of both the murder and manslaughter of Tom Rossiter, his sister-in-law said his death had left a huge hole in their lives.

The father-of-two, who lived in Swanley, suffered what were described in court as catastrophic injuries after he was mown down by Erasmus Ahwoi at the wheel of his hired Kia Venga in July last year.

Ahwoi, who was known as Black Jack, denied he deliberately mowed down Mr Rossiter and maintained he did not see him standing in front of his car when he drove off.

He denied murder and manslaughter, but was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving by a 10-2 majority.

Gemma Lee, 32, was one of several members of Mr Rossiter’s family who attended Maidstone Crown Court for the two-week trial, which started the day after what would have been his 43rd birthday.

Ms Lee, who also lives in Swanley, said: “We as a family are devastated at the verdict. Tom was one-of-a-kind, a friendly, loving son, father, husband, grandad and brother.

“His death has left a massive hole in our lives.”

At the start of the trial, 30-year-old Ahwoi, of Stroud Green Gardens, Croydon, only faced a murder charge. The other offences were added shortly before the jury of six men and six women retired to deliberate.

"His death has left a massive hole in our lives" - Gemma Lee

Sentencing was adjourned until after February 8 as Ahwoi is also facing drugs matters. But Judge Jeremy Carey warned him that he was considering a prison term “in double figures”.

This has gone some way in easing the family’s distress.

“We can only be comforted by the thought of His Honour Judge Carey handing him a high, double-figured sentence, and that Tom is now pain-free with all the other members of the family taken too soon,” added Ms Lee.

She also expressed the family’s gratitude to those who assisted with the investigation and prosecution.

“Thank you to all the witnesses, police and everyone who has supported us through this horrific time.”

The maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving is 14 years.

The court heard the daylight hit-and-run occurred after Mr Rossiter arranged to meet Ahwoi, said to have a long-standing history of drug-dealing, on July 4.

He got into the car with his brother, Joe Lee, in Hart Dyke Road. But a row broke out and Ahwoi later claimed the pair had tried to rob him.

Mr Rossiter got out and was said to be in front of the car when Ahwoi drove off. Several residents and passing motorists in the area reported hearing a revving car engine and then screaming for the vehicle to stop.

Mr Rossiter, who was only 5ft 3in, was himself heard to shout “God help me” just before he was struck by the car and then dragged underneath and into Lynden Way.

Det Ch Insp Nick Gossett said: “Mr Rossiter found himself trapped underneath the car as Ahwoi made no attempt to stop the vehicle and fled the scene. He suffered a number of horrific injuries which ultimately led to his death.

“I would like to thank the family for the dignity and courage they have shown throughout this investigation and witnesses for the evidence they have given, which has helped ensure Ahwoi was brought before the courts.”