By Staff Reporter

Last updated 11:35, Friday, 09 May 2008

A COMBINATION of drink and drugs caused a motorcyclist to have a fatal accident on Braystones Beach, an inquest has heard.

Scene of the tragedy: Tony Robert Jones died after crashing a motorbike on Braystones Beach

Tony Robert Jones, 38, of Egremont, died on September 29 last year after being thrown from the Honda bike he was riding after it hit a patch of rocks on the beach.

He was found to have more than twice the legal limit of alcohol in his blood, as well as traces of cannabis and the anti-depressant mirtazapine in his system.

He was not wearing a crash helmet and was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering severe head injuries.

West Cumbria coroner John Taylor ruled that Mr Jones had died as a result of an accident.

The inquest heard from eyewitness Peter Graham that Mr Jones was “driving like a lunatic” before he hit the large patch of rocks on the beach, near Sellafield, which catapulted him from the bike.

Mr Graham went to Mr Jones after seeing the accident. “It was obvious due to the extent of his injuries that there were no signs of life,” he said. Mr Graham added that it appeared that Mr Jones had not seen the rocks in front of him as he didn’t make any attempt to avoid them.

Following the accident, PC Michael Lazonby, of the collision investigation unit, concluded that the motorbike, which Mr Jones had borrowed from a friend, Karlum Iliffe, did not have a front mud guard.

“This would have caused spray to go towards the rider, especially on a wet surface, so it is likely his visibility was significantly reduced.

“The suspension and braking defects on the bike would also have a detrimental effect on a person’s control of the vehicle.”

The owner of the bike, Mr Iliffe, told police that a person could ride at no more than 20mph on the beach before it threw up so much sand that it became impossible to see without a visa. Mr Jones was said to be driving at between 50mph and 60mph.

Mr Jones’ former partner, Fiona Graham, had been with him on the morning of the accident. Mr Jones, a labourer, had been to a party the night before. “He was his normal self. He didn’t seem under the influence of drink or drugs and I would have stopped him going on the bike if I thought he was.”

Miss Graham added that Mr Jones ignored her request to wear a helmet when he went out. Miss Graham, and Mr Jones’ mother Pamela, both gave evidence that Mr Jones had never showed any indication he would harm himself.

In recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Taylor said: “He had consumed drink and drugs the night before and was still under the influence the following morning, which would have impaired his judgement.

“He also may not have realised the size of the rocks that were in his path and was unable to take any avoiding action.”