A YOUNG biker who was killed in a crash lost control after clipping the rear of a vehicle with "the slightest of touches," an inquest has heard.

Teenager David Pilbro, who was born in Poole, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident on the A31 last October.

On Tuesday (May 15), at Dorset Coroner's Court, Bournemouth, friends and family of the popular 17-year-old, heard evidence from police that showed David, who lived in Bournemouth, most likely clipped the back wheel arch area of a Land Rover Discovery he was overtaking, before losing control and sliding into the path of an oncoming Ford Transit Van.

Paint evidence suggested his boot had made the faintest of touches with the Land Rover, which was braking as traffic slowed for a junction.

The hearing was told he died of head injuries and would have lost consciousness almost immediately.

A statement, read by his father Sean - who was in attendance at Tuesday's (May 15) inquest - said: "David did live life to the full. He was always on rides, with his friend too.

"He was smiling all the time and was always happy to help others.

"We will miss his cheeky smile."

An event is organised in his memory at the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, near Bashley, this Sunday.

It will raise money for Dorset Doc Bike, the UK's first road-based trauma doctor on a motorcycle.

David, a Poole College mechanic student and huge motorcycle fan, had established a bike club and had been looking to raise funds for the charity.

Evidence was given at the inquest from a number of witnesses to the fatal accident, including Dean Whitlock - the driver of the Ford Transit Van which was in collision with David's 125cc motorcycle.

Mr Whitlock, fighting back tears, said he saw David's handlebars "shake violently" as he overtook a Land Rover Discovery.

"It was as if he'd locked up the front and it (the motorcycle) slid out from under him. He went down so fast, he was right on top of me."

He added: "Everything I could have done, I did. It was just too quick."

Police said all parties involved in the fatal accident, David included, had been driving within the speed limit and in a "reasonable manner."

Crash investigators later determined the tyre pressures on both of David's motorcycle tyres were significantly lower than to be expected, which could have caused the bike's handling to become heavy and unresponsive.

Dorset Coroner Rachael Griffin recorded a verdict of death by road traffic collision.

A ride out in David's memory will leave Poole's Holes Bay at 10am on Sunday, before making its way to the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum.

Entry is £5 and includes a wristband and raffle ticket.

There will be stalls, emergency vehicles, food and refreshments and more.

Entry is free for children. It will take place between 11am and 3pm.

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