Four-times over limit biker killed in crash

Sep 4 2008 by David Himelfield, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A MOTORCYCLIST died in a crash while more than four times over the legal alcohol limit, a Huddersfield inquest heard.

Jonathan MacKenzie, 22, hit a wall while travelling at least 55mph before striking railings on Wakefield Road, Lepton.

The inquest was told that Mr MacKenzie, of Warley, Halifax, had drank at least the equivalent of nine pints of beer shortly before the accident.

But friends at the inquest agreed this had been a conservative estimate and he had been drinking beer and spirits for several hours.

The father-of-one had been out in Huddersfield celebrating a win with Halifax Vandals Rugby Union Club, with whom he played.

The inquest heard that Mr Mac-Kenzie, a doorman, had died almost instantly from a fractured skull and internal bleeding.