A PUB catering manager with a “cheeky smile” knelt in the road before being hit by a coach travelling at 60 miles per hour, an inquest was told.

Connor Johnson died instantly in a collision at Poulner Hill, Ringwood on April 30.

On Tuesday, a coroner was shown dash cam footage of the 22-year-old kneeling on the A31 with his hands outstretched.

Senior corner Grahame Short said that the coach driver, who worked for Poole-based company Seaview, had no time to avoid the impact. Mr Johnson’s decision to walk into the road was a deliberate act which he knew would result in his death, Mr Short said.

In the minutes before his death, Mr Johnson, of Ringwood, crashed his father’s grey Peugeot into a lamppost. The vehicle then came to rest on a grass verge.

Joseph Macintosh and Michael Dean, who witnessed the crash, said they went to see if Mr Johnson was hurt.

Both men said Mr Johnson was “abusive” and clearly drunk, but uninjured. When Mr Macintosh and Mr Dean attempted to leave, Mr Johnson climbed onto the bonnet of Mr Dean’s van, it was heard.

Pathologist Dr Vipul Foria said Mr Johnson, of Hightown Gardens, died of multiple injuries. He was 2.6 times the drink-drive limit at the time of his death, it was said.

Mr Johnson had taken his father’s car without his consent that evening, the inquest heard.

It was said Mr Johnson suffered from Asperger’s syndrome and had a history of alcohol and substance abuse. He had made previous attempts to end his life.

At the time of his death Mr Johnson was not receiving any treatment and was not on any medication.

After the inquest, Mr Johnson’s family said: “It was such a devastating shock and still is.

“We really miss him and all his unique ways, especially his huge hugs and cheeky smile. No matter what happened in Connor’s life, he always found a way to pick himself up.

“As he would say, don’t look back as you’re not going that way.

“He will be forever in our hearts and minds and life will never be the same without him.”

Mr Short concluded Mr Johnson committed suicide.