Biker hit pedestrian at 100 mph

A motorcyclist was travelling at a "ridiculous speed" when he collided with a pedestrian, killing her and himself.

An inquest at Kettering in Northamptonshire, heard on Thursday that 40-year-old Trevor France was estimated to have been speeding at more than 100 mph when he crashed into 25-year-old Sarah Beck.

Ms Beck, who had been crossing the A509 in her home village of Wollaston on 6 July 2003, was killed instantly when the Kawasaki 600 appeared at speed and hit her.

Mr France, from Wellingborough, died on 14 July 2003 at Northampton General Hospital after sustaining head injuries in the crash.

Recording verdicts of accidental death, coroner Anne Pember said the accident had been caused by Mr France travelling at a "wholly ridiculous speed".

A police expert told the inquest he estimated the motorbike's speed at between 105 and 119 mph.