A YEAR after a motorcyclist was killed his family finally learned the truth about his death.

An inquest into father-of-three Paul Philpot, 46, on Monday revealed his death in November 2007 was accidental.

The experienced rider of Hurst Road, Erith, died after colliding with a car on the A227 in Meopham - just three weeks before he was due to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary with wife Karen. He died of multiple injuries.

The tragic loss of Paul has proven difficult for the 46-year-old widow and three children John, 25, James, 24 and Laura, 19, to come to terms with.

Speaking after the inquest an emotional Karen said: “It was a lot worse during the first couple of months. We have all suffered a terrible loss. He was very happy and full of life.

“When we received the phone call to say he had been in accident we expected to walk into hospital and see him with his leg in plaster. But when they took us into the room I knew it was bad. It has been very difficult.”

The court heard how Paul was returning home from Hastings with two biker friends on November 4, 2007 when he was involved in a collision outside The George Inn pub, in Wrotham Road.

PC Andrew Sutherland from Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit estimated Mr Philpot was travelling between 36 and 41 mph when his Kawazaki motorcycle collided with an Audi A3 which was turning right from the pub car park.

The court heard how the driver of the car Robin Argyrow , from Bexley, had a restricted view due to the position of the pub on the road.

Mr Philpot collided with the front of the vehicle, while his friend David Hawkins, from Northfleet, hit the back.

Tests revealed Paul had not taken drugs or consumed alcohol but a 30mph speed may have prevented the collision.

PC Sutherland said: “The speed limit is 30mph. If he had been travelling at this speed it might have been possible for him to stop within the available distance.”

Coroner Christopher Sutton-Mattocks recorded a verdict of accidental death.

He said: “There was no signs warning motorists of the exit to the car park. I believe there should be signs. Neither motorist was travelling exceedingly fast. This was an accident and a terribly sad one.”