A verdict of accidental death has been recorded at the resumed inquest on a motorcyclist who died in a head-on collision with a car at the bottom end of the Ballamodha Straight.

47 year old John James Hughes, of The Ponyfields, Port Erin, suffered multiple injuries when his Kawasaki machine crashed into a Honda Civic car, at about 5pm on November 12th last year.

The Coroner, Michael Moyle, heard Mr Hughes was on the correct side of the road at the time of the collision and the Honda was in the process of overtaking another car.

Graham Bell reports:

(Text of attached audio)
A motorist travelling down the straight, who was overtaken by Mr Hughes shortly before the collision, said nothing about the way the motorbike was being ridden had caused him any concern.

After the bike had gone past he became aware of two sets of lights, coming towards him, side by side, about 400 yards away. He didn't see the collision, mainly because it was dark, but heard a bang.

The driver of the car which collided with Mr Hughes was Patricia Power. She said she was aware of the motorbike travelling towards her, but thought there was enough room to carry out the overtaking manoeuvre.

Mr Moyle told her Mr Hughes (pictured) had been on the correct side of the road and it hadn't been safe for her to overtake in what was a de-restricted zone.

He told her he understood she was to face a charge of driving without due care and attention.