A motorcyclist who died in an accident at a busy junction was riding more than 30mph over the speed limit while under the influence of cannabis, an inquest has heard.

Described by his family as a “caring, selfless friend to everyone", 36-year-old Lawrence Dick was killed when his KTM 390 Duke was in collision with a Nissan X-Trail in Lordswood just after 6pm on July 21, 2021.

This afternoon an inquest led by coroner James Dillon at County Hall, Maidstone, heard how the Nissan, driven by Susan Baxter, had been travelling in the southbound carriageway, and turned into Lordswood Lane, across the path of Mr Dick, who had been travelling in the northbound carriageway.

PC Lee Berridge from Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, told the inquest that prosecutors had later reviewed all evidence and concluded there was insufficient evidence to bring any charges against Ms Baxter.

CCTV footage and an account from another driver suggested Mr Dick had been riding at between 71 and 77 mph and was accelerating prior to the impact.

It was also suggested Ms Baxter would have had less than four seconds to see and react to the oncoming motorbike.

Furthermore, toxicology reports stated Lawrence, an engineer from Swain Road, Gillingham, had seven micrograms of THC - Tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive element of cannabis - in his blood, which would likely have impaired his ability to react.

PC Heath explained the legal limit was 2mg, and testing for anything over that limit would normally result in criminal charges, due to its impact on someone’s ability to drive safely.

Making his conclusion, coroner James Dillon noted Lawrence would have “had reduced opportunity to avoid the collision” due to his speed and the presence of THC in his blood.

He added: “Very sadly Lawrence was parted from his vehicle and sustained injuries that were non-survivable.”

He recorded an official conclusion of “road traffic collision”, adding Lawrence passed away due to multiple injuries.

The former Chatham Grammar School pupil's family previously told how Lawrence, who known as "Loz", was a big music fan and played guitar and keyboard.

His father, John Dick, added: "Lawrence liked to keep things simple, he had a few close friends but many more in a wider circle.

"He was a caring, selfless friend to everyone that knew him."