THE driver of a car which struck a Hampshire teenage biker before his death will not be prosecuted it can be revealed.
Former Scout Nick Brisland died on the way to a bike meet when he fell from his Kawasaki 650 bike when it struck a Peugeot 206, he was then struck by an oncoming taxi in Spring Road in Southampton.
The 19-year-old’s death sent shockwaves across the Hampshire Scouting community who paid tribute to the former McDonald’s manager from Heathfield Road.
Winchester Coroner’s Court heard Neil Howard was driving the Peugeot and was set to go on trial following the death, but the Crown Prosecution Service could not find enough evidence to prosecute.
He told Winchester Coroner’s Court how he was driving the vehicle which was owned by his work colleague Alan Mulhall as his own car was being repaired.
He said the car was parked on the pavement and when he tried to pull out on Spring Road he could not see the bike in the mirrors or hear it.
He said the only time he felt the bike’s presence was when he felt a “bump” at the back of the car.
Nick Brisland
The inquest heard a statement by Lauren Moger who witnessed the collision, she said she was overtaken by Mr Brisland’s bike before the crash and described the bike as going in and out of traffic at speed moments before the crash.
The inquest also heard a statement by Adam Brunswick who rode behind Mr Brisland, he said he could not see the Peugeot indicate before the crash.
He said he saw Mr Brisland apply the brakes and said he attempted to avoid the Peugeot pulling out but lost control and was thrown over the handlebars and was struck by oncoming taxi.
Pathologist Dr Vipul Foria concluded Mr Brisland died instantly from multiple injuries.
Police investigator PC Edward Wilson said reconstruction tests carried out at speeds of between 30 and 35mph concluded Mr Howard should have seen the bike, but evidence from collision investigator Peter Davey said his investigation indicated Mr Brisland could have been riding at 56mph before the crash.
PC Edward Wilson said: “The catalyst of the accident is the Peugeot driver who moved off from the nearside kerb and the bike had its headlight on and was there to be seen.”
Senior Coroner Grahame Short recorded a verdict of death due to road traffic collision.
After the hearing, Maria Brisland said: “I would like to thank Hampshire Constabulary and my family liaison officer Robert Lewis.
“I work closely with the Red Lipstick Foundation to help families that have found themselves on our journey, and I want to extend that to people who need help coping with bereavement of this kind through sudden death or suicide.”
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