Accidental death verdict on biker who hit a lamppost

Oct 30 2008 by Michelle Coyle, North Wales Weekly News

A CORONER flagged up the perils of speed at the inquest into the tragic death of Dyserth motorcyclist Stuart Sweetman.

Stuart, 25, from Hiraddug Road, died on February 9 when his Yamaha 600cc bike collided with a lamppost on Abergele Road, Old Colwyn.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner John Gittins said: “There is nothing to suggest Stuart was anything other than a young man enjoying himself on his bike. He failed to control his bike and I am not in a position to understand why that happened.

“Speed has clearly been a huge factor in this tragic loss of life. The resulting pain and suffering that has been caused to his family and friends should be a lesson that all of us would do well to remember.”

A post-mortem at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd revealed multiple injuries. Stuart suffered lung damage, a severed aorta and extensive bruising. No traces of alcohol or drugs were found in his system.

Stuart’s mother Liz Sweetman said: “He had cystic fibrosis but it didn’t affect him or get him down. He was very happy at work and with his girlfriend, Ciosa Napier.” Liz last saw her son as he helped his father in the garden on the day of his death: “As far as I know, he drove carefully.”

Statements from drivers reveal, however, that Stuart was speeding in the 30mph zone. Dafydd Gwynfor Jones of Llysfaen said: “He was a biker on a mission, driving between 50-60mph.”

Martyn Schlangen, a Conwy safer roads officer, corroborated drivers’ statements, revealing Stuart had been recorded speeding at 65mph just metres from the crash site.

Pauline Evans was waiting at a junction when she saw Stuart: “I was just about to turn into Wynnstay Road when I saw a bike coming towards me in the wrong carriageway at around 60mph. I thought he might collide with us. The next thing, he was on the ground after taking the corner.”

Traffic investigator PC George Skinner said: “There was nothing in the weather or road conditions that would have contributed to Stuart’s death and there were no defects to his bike prior to the accident.

“Stuart decelerated to take a corner into Wynnstay Road but, making a conscious decision to maintain some speed, was still at maximum speed for the bend. He hit the lamppost between 17-20mph and died instantaneously.”