Inquest verdict on A13 bike rider's death

A MOTORCYCLIST died when his bike was hit by a van on the A13.

Stephen Fielder’s Laverda motorcycle hit a post at the side of the road, throwing him into a sign after the collision with a white Volkswagen van.

An inquest heard Mr Fielder had been riding in the outside lane of the three-lane carriageway heading towards Thurrock, near the Stifford turn-off, when the crash happened on July 27 last year.

Witnesses said Mr Fielder, 53, of Garden Fields, Steeple, near Maldon, was behind the van when he indicated and moved into the middle lane and began passing the van.

The van, driven by Terry May, 30, of Plashet Grove, Plaistow, moved into the middle lane, hitting the bike and causing Mr Fielder to fall off.

After hitting the bike, May, then of Hogg Lane, Grays, collided with the central reservation, puncturing two tyres before driving on and eventually stopping on the verge of the slip road about half a mile away.

He then left the area before being arrested at his home.

PC Richard March, who interviewed May following his arrest, told the inquest May claimed “he did not know how serious the collision was”.

He also told the inquest May claimed to have looked all around and did not see the motorcycle when he moved lanes, but had been aware of him previously.

May was sentenced to eight months in prison and disqualified from driving for two years after admitting perverting the course of justice, careless driving, driving without insurance and failing to stop after an accident when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court earlier this month.

A post-mortem revealed Mr Fielder died from head and chest injuries.

Essex Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray expressed her condolences to Mr Fielder’s partner of 28 years, Viv Rogers, who attended the inquest.

She said: “I record a verdict of road traffic collision.

“The court appreciates this must be difficult for you. We would like to express our symapthy to you. He was clearly a much-loved gentleman.”

Speaking after the inquest, Ms Rogers said: “Steve was my soulmate and we shared a great love of motorbikes.

“Steve’s happy smiling face will be with me for ever in my heart and mind. The hurt never goes away and he is sadly missed by family and friends who were devastated over his untimely death.”