A SPEEDING motorcyclist smashed into a road crash barrier after he lost control on a bend, an inquest was told.

Mark Howell, who had only passed his test five days before, was killed on his powerful Kawasaki ZX600 on the A289 Wainscott bypass, near Strood.

One witness believed Mr Howell, 31, of Coulsden, Surrey, had been going at 100mph shortly before the accident.

Coroner Roger Sykes recorded a verdict of accidental death. He said: "The evidence suggests to my satisfaction that he was travelling in excess of the speed limit. That appears to be the sole cause of loss of control coupled with his relative inexperience riding a powerful motorcycle at this speed on public roads."

A post mortem examination found he had taken no alcohol or drugs.