A MOTORCYCLIST who died in a crash opposite The Jolly Farmer pub near Binsted on the evening of Sunday, May 22, was riding while over the drink-drive limit, an inquest has heard.

Paul Hoffman, 52, from Ash, died at the scene of the crash, which occurred in Blacknest Road at around 8.50pm.

Mr Hoffman was thought to have braked heavily as he travelled south-east along the road, and parted company with his bike - a black Harley Davidson Softail.

An inquest into the fatal crash at Basingstoke Law Courts on Wednesday last week heard the biker lost control of his bike “for no obvious reason” and died at the scene after hitting the road surface.

North East Hampshire coroner Andrew Bradley ruled a verdict of accidental death.

It was believed at the time of the crash that a second motorcyclist, on a similar bike, was using that stretch of road at the same time.

A 50-year-old Camberley man was arrested in connection with the collision and released on bail while investigations continue until September 6.