A MOTORCYCLIST killed in a crash had probably been travelling at more than 70mph on a winding country road, an inquest heard.

Perry Wood, from Oldmoor Close, Wallingford, died after he lost control of his Aprilia bike on the B4015, near Marsh Baldon, on August 22.

The 50-year-old, who worked as a car painter and sprayer, was riding on a summer’s evening with friends when he crashed on a bend.

The inquest heard that off-duty paramedic Neil Carver went to his aid.

Giving evidence at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, Mr Carver said: “I could see that the male on the floor was unconscious.

“The helmet was cracked and he had irregular, rasping breath.

“His pupils were fixed and dilated and he had a weak pulse.”

Mr Carver and his girlfriend tried to resuscitate Mr Wood while his friends called for help.

One of them, Douglas Russell, told the inquest that he did not see the crash happen. Mr Russell said: “I saw him go into the left-hand bend then I saw the smoking debris coming up round the bend.

He added: “Between 60mph and 80mph was his kind of average speed.”

Mr Wood was taken to hospital, but died of his injuries.

The speed limit on the B4015 is 50mph and calculations by police officers showed Mr Wood was speeding when he crashed.

Pc Adrian White told the inquest: “When the vehicle was examined it was found to be in sixth gear.”

He added: “Between 69mph and 79mph was the police estimation.

“I would say his speed would certainly be closer to 80mph.

“I would suggest what has happened is that he has come along a straight section of road and suddenly realised he’s going too fast and is too close to the bend.

“He’s certainly fallen to the floor in a fraction of a second.”

Coroner Nicholas Gardiner recorded a verdict of accidental death.