Mother's anguish as seven-year-old son dies in her arms

Mitch Clifton died at the scene of the collision at the entrance to the Co-op store car park in Landywood Lane, Cheslyn Hay. "Mitchell was a wonderful little boy and we miss him every day," said mother Michelle, aged 40. "He was full of life and I can't put into words what myself and my family has gone through since he was taken away. I have lost my son and it has ruined my life.

"I am not the same person any more, he was my world and now he has been taken away. I feel like a part of me died as well that day. I had to watch my baby boy die in my arms which is something no mother should have to go through. It has ripped me apart."

The Cheslyn Hay Primary School pupil, who loved football, was killed on October 3, 2012. His mother's statement was released at the conclusion of his inquest.

"There are days when I find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning, it is only the support of my family and two other sons that has got me through this," she added.

The inquest heard Mitch, of High Street, would not have seen the vehicle, driven by Security Plus Limited employee Paul Millington, who was turning right into the site, until it was too late.

Giving evidence at the hearing in Cannock yesterday, Mr Millington, aged 47, of Alsager, Cheshire, said protective metal railings on the armoured vehicle obstructed his 'over the shoulder view'.

Under cross examination by barrister Sam Harmel representing Mitch's family, Mr Millington insisted that he would have looked for pedestrians and other traffic before pulling in.

"I would have looked round and checked my mirror as best as I can remember. I can't see over my shoulder," Mr Millington said.

Also giving evidence motorist Nigel Hayward, of Cheslyn Hay, told the hearing he had followed the van and saw the tragedy unfold shortly after 5.20pm. He said the van's right indicator was flashing.

"As the van was crossing the pavement the lad on the scooter accelerated doing a further one or two scoots.He never stopped as his scooter passed the end of the wall," Mr Hayward said.

South Staffordshire Coroner Mr Andrew Haigh said he accepted Mr Millington did look before he drove in. "Mitchell was scooting at about 10mph and did not look into the road. It would appear that at the last minute he becomes aware of the van. By the time he saw it, it was too late," Mr Haigh said.

He said would write to the Department of Transport about the family's concerns over the design of security vans and he would write to the county council to request highway improvements, including an extension of the double yellow lines at the front to the store. He recorded that on the balance of probabilities Mitch died as a result of a road traffic collision.