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Motorcyclist Oliver Sherwood, from Eltham, died in crash in Dartford while speeding, inquest hears

By: Daniel Green

Published: 23:01, 25 March 2018

Updated: 09:50, 26 March 2018

A motorcyclist who had cocaine in his blood and was driving at more than double the speed limit died after colliding with a car, an inquest has heard.

Oliver Sherwood, 29, died at the scene in Shepherds Lane, Dartford, on Thursday, September 29, 2016, after suffering chest injuries following a collision with David Bassett’s emerald green Vauxhall Insignia, which was pulling out of a junction.

Mr Sherwood, an air conditioning engineer from Eltham, was riding his bike, with his girlfriend as a passenger, at between 84mph and 93mph, in a 40mph zone.

Motorcyclist Oliver Sherwood died in a crash (1283971)

He had 230 micrograms of cocaine in his blood, almost five times the legal limit.

Mr Bassett, 77, of Seaton Road, Dartford, was turning right out of Heathclose Road, with his wife dozing in the passenger seat, when he heard a crash.

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The impact of the collision made his car move and caused the air bags deploy.

Mr Bassett then turned the ignition off, left the vehicle and walked round to its rear where he saw what had happened and asked a bystander to call the police and ambulance service.

Mr Bassett , who had no alcohol in his system during the crash, was initially charged with causing death by dangerous driving, but almost 18 months after the crash, the CPS offered no evidence against him.

The inquest, held at Archbishop’s Palace, Maidstone, heard Mr Sherwood was not authorised to drive his motorcycle after he had his driving licence revoked and was due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court.

The scene of the crash which killed Oliver Sherwood (1285588)

Coroner for North West Kent Roger Hatch said: “Mr Sherwood’s death was down to a road traffic collision.

“The medical cause found at the post-mortem was severe chest injuries.

“It is clear that there was a car approaching Mr Bassett from the other direction but there was enough time for him to make the turn into Heathclose Road.

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“Mr Sherwood then collided with Mr Bassett’s vehicle.

“May I express my sympathies to the family.”

After Mr Sherwood’s death, tributes were paid to him online and at the scene. He was described as “a very much loved son, brother, dad and a friend to many”.

A fundraising page was also set up in his memory.

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