Barrier kills dad (From Penarth Times)

Barrier kills dad

A PENARTH four-year-old watched in horror as a freak accident killed her dad while out on a shopping trip.

Terrified Jessica Farr was in the back seat when a steel security barrier at Asda in Grangetown smashed into father-of-three Kenneth's red Montego Estate, catching him in the head.

Passers-by rushed to help, to find Jessica sitting in the backseat crying: "Daddy's got blood all over him."

Jessica, who lives in Shakespeare Avenue with her family, was pulled unhurt from the car and taken home to her mother Helen following the incident at 2.30pm on Tuesday.

Electronics company worker Mr Farr died later at the University Hospital of Wales.

His wife Helen, 39, is being comforted by her parents and sister. Jessica and her sisters Emma, eight, and Hannah, two, were described by neighbours as being "desperately upset".

Ken and Joyce Wiggins, who have lived next door to the Farrs for ten years, paid tribute to Mr Farr.

Joyce, 75, said: "He was such a lovely man. He was wonderful with the children and they were such a happy family.

"Helen told me she couldn't believe that Ken was really gone. She's expecting him to walk back in the house."

Mr and Mrs Farr had booked to go to Amsterdam for the weekend next month to celebrate her 40th birthday.

Joyce said: "They had really been looking forward to it. It's all too sad for words."

Mr Farr had worked for Japanese electronics giant Panasonic at their television and microwave plant at Pentwyn, Cardiff.

A spokesman said: "Ken was a dedicated member of staff and received his 20-year service award last year. He was a senior technician and a very nice man. This is a terrible shock to all of us."

The steel barrier was at the exit of the Asda store and was swung around at night to stop skateboarders and joyriders using the car park.

Police are working on the theory that a sudden gust of wind caught the barrier and swung it around Mr Farr's car.

Flowers have been laid under the barrier to mark the spot where he was killed.

All of the barriers were securely padlocked immediately to prevent another accident.

A spokesman for Asda said: "We are all very saddened by this tragic accident and our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Police are compiling a report for Cardiff coroner Dr Lawrence Addicott. Inspector Andy Germain said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened or had seen the gate earlier in the day."