Man killed when thrown off motorbike in Hatfield crash - inquest

A BIKER described as "the world's best dad" died when he was thrown off his motorcycle on a roundabout.

Mathew Sharp was slung over the handlebars and into a lorry heading to Tesco's Welham Green depot, Hatfield Coroner's Court heard on Thursday.

The 32-year-old was part of a convoy of seven bikers approaching the roundabout linking Travellers Lane and South Way, in Hatfield.

As he broke, the experienced rider lost control of his bike.

Pc Alan Kemp, of Herts police's road investigation unit, told the court markings, known as high side, showed he had lost control, with the back of the bike kicking up and propelling Mr Sharp over the top.

He said: "As a motorcyclist myself I feel extra sympathy in this case.

"The markings on the road show that the back tyre is out of line with the front tyre."

He added: "The high side loss of control is instantaneous.

"It can occur under heavy braking."

Mat, as he is known by his close friends and relatives, was travelling between 48mph and 52mph as he approached the 60mph zone roundabout.

Pc Kemp described this as being "too fast" for the area, leaving Mat with "no room for margin".

Mat, of Rosary Court, Potters Bar, was taken to the QE2 Hospital after the crash, just after noon on October 18 last year, but efforts to resuscitate him failed.

Coroner Edward Thomas said although a small amount of cannabis, "possibly taken a while back", was found in Mat's bloodstream, it had no effect on the crash.

He recorded a verdict of accidental death.

The court had also heard more than 300 tributes to the popular motor vehicle service manager, who worked at the Hatfield Audi garage, were left at the crash site.

After the inquest, a member of Mat's family said: "He was a loving father and loving son, and a great friend.

"The world's best dad.