Accidental death verdict for biker Leon Shirreff killed on New Hey Road in Outlane

Oct 29 2009 By Barry Gibson

A COURT heard how a "wonderful partner, father and friend" died in a motorbike crash.

Coroner Roger Whittaker recorded a verdict of accidental death yesterday – but was unable to say why Leon Shirreff, 41, had lost control of his Honda Hornet on New Hey Road in Scammonden.

Huddersfield Coroners’ Court heard that the father-of-two hit a wall and a telegraph pole after drifting left at a right-hand turn.

Mr Shirreff’s friend of 23 years, Leon Rigby, was riding about 40 metres behind when the accident happened.

In a statement read to the court yesterday, he said: "We had travelled on New Hey Road a number of times. We were doing approximately 50mph and the road was empty except for one car behind us which was hanging back.

"We were on a straight stretch of road going slightly downhill. At the right-hand bend, Leon started drifting towards the verge on the left.

"I knew he was out of control. He hit the wall and bounced off it before hitting a telegraph pole head-first. The bike carried on and ended up in a field.

"I stopped straight away and went over to Leon expecting him to jump to his feet but he didn’t move.

"I couldn’t see his chest moving and, when I removed his helmet, there was blood coming from his nose and mouth. One eye was closed and swollen."

Mr Rigby performed mouth-to-mouth and chest compressions until paramedics arrived.

He added: "I don’t know why he lost control. He wasn’t going too fast and he was normally a good rider."

Mr Shirreff had a daughter Lisa with Jacqui Dixon in 1987, but the couple separated four years later.

The court heard a statement from Wendy McDermott, Mr Shirreff’s partner since 1992.

She said: "We fell in love instantly. In 1993 our daughter Kelly Jade was born and in 1995 we bought our first house together.

"He was a very sociable character and a big family man. He was a wonderful partner, father and friend.