AN inquest today into the death of a 14-year-old boy while cycling in Baldock delivered a verdict of accidental death. Jake Chapman, described in a family statement as having a big heart, who thought nothing of helping other people, died from multiple in

AN inquest today into the death of a 14-year-old boy while cycling in Baldock delivered a verdict of accidental death.

Jake Chapman, described in a family statement as having a big heart, who thought nothing of helping other people, died from multiple injuries after he was involved in a night-time collision with a car on Norton Road in December last year.

The coroner, Edward Thomas concluded after hearing evidence from the driver of the car, Stuart Thornton, and his passenger Danielle Wyatt as well as police investigators that Mr Thornton "did everything right" in trying to avoid Jake.

Jake, who had been wearing dark clothing, had borrowed a new bike which had no lights from a friend at Tesco in Baldock. He was cycling without a helmet on the unlit, 60mph stretch of Norton Road and possibly had his mobile phone in his hand when it appears he began to turn across the road to enter the Equestrian Centre.

Mr Thornton had noticed "a small red light" on his nearside and moved into the centre of the road but collided with the bike when it turned in front of him.

Mr Thomas described Jake as "a very nice lad", who enjoyed football and rugby and had a passion for steam engines. His death was an awful tragedy for everyone involved he said.