Driver pulled across Rishton biker

11:10am Friday 5th September 2008

A 35-YEAR-OLD Rishton motorcyclist died instantly after colliding with a car that had pulled across his path, an inquest heard.

The hearing was told Scott Campbell was thrown over the car in the accident at the entrance to Read Garden Centre.

And coroner Michael Singleton said a group of children who witnessed the accident and everyone else involved would be deeply affected by what they saw.

Mary Campbell, of Stourton Street, Rishton, told the inquest her husband had gone out for a pleasure ride on Saturday May 3. His life came to an end as he returned home at 3.30 pm.

Fellow biker Matthew Moseley had also been out for a ride and met Mr Campbell on the road near Gisburn. They had both stopped at the lights at Portfield Bar and as they pulled away Mr Campbell was in front.

“As I came round the bend Scott was going down the hill and I saw a car pull across him,” said Mr Moseley. “He didn’t try and brake or swerve to avoid it and I just can’t understand why.”

The car driver, Philip Cooper, of Maple Street, Clayton-le-Moors, told the inquest he had been travelling to visit Read Garden Centre. He stopped in the middle of the road, indicating to turn right, and later told police he did not see the approaching motorbike.

“I’m just very, very sorry,” said Mr Cooper, who pleaded guilty to driving without due care at Blackburn magistrates last month.

The cause of death was given as transaction of the thoracic aorta, and Mr Singleton recorded a verdict of accidental death.