A motorcyclist who lost his life when crashing into the back of a tractor unit was twice over the drink drive limit, an inquest heard.

Philip John Baker, 28, a locksmith who lived in Downs Road, Folkestone, died on Saturday, November 12 last year after the collision on the M20 London-bound, between junctions 10 and 11.

The popular young man had been in his local pub having drinks and watching the football before deciding to visit his girlfriend who lives out of Kent, afterwards.

The crash between his Honda motorbike and the white DAF tractor unit happened at 2.05am and Mr Baker died at the scene.

The section of motorway was closed for hours while officers started investigating.

PC Duncan Swallow gave evidence at the inquest yesterday at Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone.

He said: “There were no contributory weather conditions or vehicle deficiencies.

“The tractor unit was travelling at 55mph when it was struck from behind and it has not been possible to establish why Mr Baker took no action to stop the vehicle.

“I am not able to offer an explanation as to why it occurred.

“The level of alcohol in his blood was twice over the drink drive limit and that would have an impact on his ability to perceive what was occurring, but, whether or not this is why the action was taken I wouldn’t be able to say.”

Pathologist Dr David Rouse gave the cause of death as multiple injury.

The toxicology report showed that Mr Baker had 168mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood which would “increase a loss of co-ordination”.

The evidence heard that the driver of the tractor unit was using a mobile phone but that a Bluetooth hands-free kit was also installed inside the tractor unit.

Mr Swallow added: “There is no evidence to say how the phone would have been used.

“Prior or during the collision it was concluded that there was a working hands free system.”

Senior coroner Patricia Harding recorded the death as a road traffic collision.

Mrs Harding said: “It was concluded that the driver of the DAF tractor was at the time of the collision using his mobile phone but evidence I have heard was that he had a Bluetooth handset.

“There was no evidence confirming that the mobile phone contributed to the death.

“I have taken into account the toxicology that was undertaken and the level of alcohol found to be in his system was significant.

“When I take all the evidence together I do view that as a contributing factor.

“The appropriate conclusion to return is one of a road traffic collision."

She told his loved ones: “I am very sorry for your loss, I heard from the evidence that he was fit, hard working, and had family around him.

“These are very tragic circumstances indeed.”