A verdict of accidental death has been recorded by Coroner Michael Moyle at the resumed inquest into 21 year-old Christopher James Oates of Anagh Coar.

Mr Oates died from multiple injuries after the car he was driving on the road alongside Archallagan plantation hit a tree.

Accident investigator PC Kennish said the accident, on August 25, had possibly been caused by a combination of factors: the nature of the road which was narrow and undulating, high speed, possibly the fact Mr Oates had alcohol in his blood and his lack of experience.

At Douglas courthouse, Mr Moyle said the car left the road and collided with the tree with considerable force causing very extensive damage.

It had not been possible to calculate the speed, he continued, but it must have been relatively high to cause such damage.

Mr Oates was not familiar with the car, he did not hold a licence and it could well have been that the car was borrowed without consent.

He said he was very impressed with the evidence of a 16 year-old passenger who had 'acted like an adult'.

He called the emergency services and tried to give Mr Oates mouth to mouth resuscitation after receiving instructions over the phone.

He said it spoke volumes and he again expressed his deep regret to the family of Mr Oates.

Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.