Speaking after the jailing of Christopher Eggleton for manslaughter, Ch Insp Mark Arnold called the case a "tragedy".

The 46-year-old from Dale Street, Chatham, was sent to prison for seven and a half years today (Thursday) for the killing of 30-year-old Martin Barlow, left.

Ch Insp Arnold said: "This has been a tragic case for all of those involved, especially Mr Barlow's family.

Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. I must thank them for their support throughout the investigation by Kent Police, which involved officers from Kent Police's Major Crime Unit, the Serious Collisions Investigation Unit and Medway Police Station.

"This was an extremely serious offence and Kent Police respects the decision of the court and the jury involved in this trial. We are satisfied that justice has been served.

"This case has had a big impact on the local community in Rochester, and we have been keen to engage with them throughout our investigation. We have held regular meetings with the community, kept them up to date and I would like to thank them for their support and willingness to engage with us.

"Road safety matters are of great importance to the people of Medway and Kent Police will not allow people to drive vehicles in a manner that puts other road users or members of the public at risk. We have been working closely alongside our partner agencies to ensure that a tragedy like this does not happen again."

Eggleton was driving a bus down Catherine Street, in Rochester on Friday, April 3 last year when Mr Barlow walked into the road to talk to him about damage caused to his pick up truck.

But he was hit by the bus and suffered horrendous injuries as his body was carried for 435 metres to Dorrit Way, near the junction of Carlton Close.

He was later described by friends and family as an "extraordinary" and "generous" man.