A 30-year-old Kidderminster motorcyclist who was killed on the Worcester Road had been doing a wheelie moments before the accident, an inquest heard.

Worcestershire coroner, Victor Round, told the coroner's court, in Stourport, that at around 1.20pm on Monday, September 12 there was a collision involving a motorbike on the road near to Victoria Carpets, resulting in the death of the rider.

Robin Preece, a fuel supervisor for an oil processing plant, of Blount Terrace, was confirmed dead at the scene in the carriageway near Brooklyn Motors by paramedics.

A post mortem carried out by pathologist Dr Paul Geddy revealed Mr Preece had died from multiple injuries.

Toxicology tests revealed he had an alcohol level of 156 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of blood, which Mr Round said was almost twice the legal limit.

Mr Round added it had been established the victim had recently bought the Honda CBR 900 Fireblade and although he did have a full licence, it did not permit him to drive a motorbike - other than a moped - and he did not have insurance to ride it.

It was believed the rear tyre had been ridden in an under-inflated condition before the collision.

Mr Round said police vehicle examiner, Michael Saunders, did not rule out the condition of the tyre being a factor in the collision.

The coroner said it was not known what Mr Preece's movements were on the morning of the collision and statements had been obtained from witnesses following the accident.

Reading a statement from Pauline Setter, who was sitting in a line of traffic at the junction of Stourport Road with Sutton Road, he said: "She had seen this motorbike approaching from the opposite direction doing a wheelie as it passed. "

In a statement, Gavin Lawrence, Timothy Myatt and Daniel Curtis, who work at Tool Hire, next to the Worcester Road island, said they saw a Honda Fireblade come off the island and head towards Hoobrook. Speed estimates they gave varied from 50mph as the rider came off the island to 90mph as he sped off down the road.

They compared the riding of the bike to that of an amateur.

Another statement from Peter Pullen, who was in a parked car near Tip-Top, said he had seen the rider fly off his bike, hit a sign, continue through the air and then land on the carriageway.

He added the rider's helmet came straight off as the rider came off the bike.

Mr Round said the helmet had been examined and the quick release fixing was undamaged and in working order, suggesting the helmet was not fastened securely.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, he concluded: "It was an accident. He didn't mean himself any harm.

"I am satisfied there was nobody else involved in this and the verdict is to be accidental death.

"I know I have commented on the fact that his helmet came off. I am doubtful that he would have survived if it had stayed on," added Mr Round.