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-y
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.
You may also want to watch:
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.
Most Read
- 1 Hollywood heads to Hertfordshire with £700m Sunset Studios film and TV development plans announced
- 2 Free gift card when you park in Welwyn Garden City this summer
- 3 9 things you didn’t know about the making of Band of Brothers
- 4 The latest court results for Welwyn Hatfield and Potters Bar
- 5 Support for Bukayo Saka continues as youth football team delivers shirt to England's Euro 2020 star
- 6 Roll up! Roll up! Hatfield goes to the circus!
- 7 From Hertfordshire to the Strictly dancefloor: 7 Strictly Come Dancing contestant from the county
- 8 When is Team GB cycling star Laura Kenny in action at Tokyo 2020 Olympics?
- 9 Dangerous Welwyn Garden City domestic abuser who slashed ex-girlfriend's throat jailed
- 10 Do you remember when Grange Hill was filmed in Hatfield?
"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.
