Family tribute to Gillingham lorry death man

Joseph Geoghegan was described by his partner as a "perfect man"

The family of a retired security officer who died when he was hit by a lorry have spoken of their loss.

Joseph Geoghegan, 78, from Rainham, died following the accident in Watling Street, Gillingham, on 12 May.

Mr Geoghegan, known as Mick, served in the Royal Navy and was formerly the chief security officer for the Chatham and Sheerness Dockyards in Kent.

His partner, Joan Youens, said she was lucky to have spent 10 years with such a "wonderful and kind man".

"Mick was loved by everyone and was very well thought of by all those who met him," she said.

"He was extremely funny and to me he was the perfect man."

Mr Geoghegan's son, Paul, 52, said: "Dad was enjoying his life, with a partner who he loved.

I never expected to get a call to say that he had died like this Paul Geoghegan

"He was an active man and was seeing out his later years by going on cruises and travelling around the world.

"I never expected to get a call to say that he had died like this, and it's a terrible way to lose him.

"It's a tragedy that he couldn't go on doing what he was doing and making the most of his later years in life."

Kent Police have appealed for information about the accident which happened at about 1410 BST between the Bowaters and Will Adams roundabouts.

Mr Geoghegan was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital but died later from his injuries.