A MOTORCYCLIST who died when his bike hit a railway fence, was three times over the legal alcohol limit and had taken cocaine.

An inquest at Ashford heard how Mike Roffey, 23, of Queen’s Road, Littlestone, near Hythe, died from multiple injuries after the accident on October 6, at the junction of Station Approach and Queen’s Road in New Romney.

Mr Roffey’s motorbike, which was later found to be stolen, crashed into fencing at the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Light Railway.

His friend David Stiff, from Appledore, then 18, was also on the bike and suffered serious leg injuries.

At the inquest, the deceased’s family said they believed Mr Stiff had been riding the bike, and that their son had been the pillion passenger.

Police said they were unable to say for sure who had been in control of the bike, but that usually the rider is more seriously injured.

A witness, who heard the crash which took place in the early hours of the morning, said they thought Mr Roffey had been the rider.

PC Martin Ostler, said: “I am reliant on witnesses’ evidence as to who was the rider.

“Witnesses have made informed decisions that the speed was in excess of the lawful limit and in the region of 60 to 70 mph.

“He had consumed alcohol in excess of the limit and taken a quantity of cocaine so in light of that, the responsibility lies with him.”

Verdict: accidental death.