A MOTORCYCLIST from Chatham died after going to fast to negotiate a roundabout, an inquest was told.

Charles Collins died from multiple injuries after crashing his 750cc Kawasaki on August 22 last year.

Mid Kent and Medway coroner Roger Sykes heard how the 43-year-old father of three was travelling at least 58mph in the 30 mph zone. He came off his bike on New Road in Chatham after skidding for 52 meters and suffered fatal injuries.

PC Martin Ostler told the coroner that there were no faults with the bike and that although there was alcohol in Mr Collins' system it was well below the legal limit for driving.

He said: "It's my conclusion that the motorcycle was being ridden at a speed in excess of the speed limit."

Joan Collins, the dead man's widow, agreed. She said: "I accept that my husband was speeding in a 30 mph zone. He skidded and lost control."

Mr Sykes recorded a verdict of accidental death at the inquest at the Municipal Buildings in Gillingham.

Speaking after the inquest Mrs Collins said: "Charles loved life and had a wicked sense of humour. He liked a bit of danger and liked things a bit out of the norm.

"We are all still really upset and it's been hard waiting eight months for the inquest to be over. It's important for the children, Samantha, William and Dawn, to have closure and move on."