A young motorcyclist died after an accident at a roundabout because his view of the road was probably obscured by a lorry, and inquest into his death heard.

Richard Barker, 21, who was known to Richie to his friends and family, was killed when the bike he was riding crashed into a Ford Fiesta in Rainham high street, on Wednesday, July 27, last year.

The crash happened at about 9.40pm at a mini roundabout at the junction with Holding Street.

An inquest into his death at County Hall in Maidstone today, heard evidence from the driver of the Fiesta, William Barnes, and the lorry driver, Mark McNally, who were both at the roundabout and crossing it at the time of the collision.

During the hearing several witnesses gave evidence to say they had seen Richard overtake the lorry on the A2 and his was on the wrong side of the road when the collision happened as he entered the roundabout.

His bike, a Suzuki R 600 model, hit the Fiesta and then mounted the pavement and hit a garden wall.

The driver of the fiesta was coming out of Holding Street when the collision happened and both his nd Richard’s view of the junction was said to be obscured by the lorry.

The lorry was not involved in the collision and did not stop at the scene, but was later traced.

Richard, who was conscious and making murmuring noises when people went to his aid after the crash, was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital, but died at about 10.40pm.

A post-mortem later revealed he died of multiple injuries.

Patricia Harding, coroner for the Mid-Kent and Medway area, recorded a verdict of accidental death.

She said: "Richard Barker was involved in a road traffic crash whilst riding his bike on the A2 at Rainham High Street.

"He suffered injuries which later proved fatal."

For the full story see Friday’s edition of the Medway Messenger.