Moped rider drove into bridge

A FATHER-of-two died after his moped hit a pillar of a bridge, an inquest heard.

Barry Smith, 35, of Ferrier Road in Stevenage died from head injuries after a road traffic collision in Graveley Lane under the A1(M) on Boxing Day last year.

In a written statement read out in court, Mr Smith's sister Karen Stanley said her brother was very upset during December after his wife left him. She said he was upset, withdrawn and often sat on his own at his home in the dark.

On Christmas Day Mr Smith refused invitations to spend the day with his family saying he wanted to be on his own.

The court heard that Mr Smith was also concerned that he may not be able to stay in his house for financial reasons.

On Boxing Day Karen received text messages from her brother asking her to call the police and send them in the direction of the A1 (M).

She alerted the police and was later told there was an accident and the rider had died.

Richard Pateman, one of the ambulance technicians who attended the scene, told the court he did not believe Mr Smith had been wearing his crash helmet because it was undamaged.

Pc Ian Marsh, accident investigator, said there was no evidence of skidding or braking and it appeared the bike was under control.

He said: "There is a computer programme which gives us a speed. I am under the impression it was travelling at 20 mph."

Assistant deputy coroner Graham Danbury told the court that Mr Smith had left messages apologising for the hurt and upset he had caused.

He said: "He was obviously a much loved son and brother. That shines out from what I have read about him.

"I am left in no doubt that on that day Barry had decided that life held no more for him and he wanted to end it.

"He was upset about the end of his relationship with his wife."

Verdict: Suicide.