A factory worker who moved to the UK for a better life suffered a catastrophic head injury when he tripped and fell into the path of a car.

Cristian Dumitru was hit by a silver Mercedes CLS in Lower Stone Street, Maidstone, shortly before 1am on November 11 and died the same morning.

The 47-year-old had been walking behind a group of friends close to the junction with Romney Place when he was injured.

Mr Dumitru, from Motro, Romania, found work at an agency through his brother Dorel but his new life came to a sudden end.

Dorel said: "It was a new beginning. It looks like it was a big mistake bringing him here.

"If only I could turn back time.

"I found him a house over here and paid his rent, and this has happened."

The inquest into Mr Dumitru's death was opened on Tuesday during a hearing at Archbishops Palace, Maidstone.

It was adjourned until February 5.

Cristian Dumitru's brother Dorel speaks after his brother's death