THE family of a motorcyclist, who died after his machine was hit by a car driven by an 84-year-old woman, have described him as "a good guy and a great dad".

An inquest in Middlesbrough heard that Ronald "Ronnie" Johnson, 41, of Easington Colliery, was driving a Suzuki GSXR 600 on the B1283, Seaside Lane, in Easington on October 6 when he was hit by a Nissan Micra.

Margaret Kilbride, of Burnside, Peterlee, suffered post-traumatic stress following the accident, but later pleaded guilty to causing the death of the father-of-two by careless driving.

Mrs Kilbride was given a community order and an 18-month curfew at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court recently.

The inquest into Mr Johnson's death was officially adjourned today (Thursday). Coroner, Claire Bailey said that as there had been a court case, it would not be reopened and she would not record an official verdict.

The inquest heard, however, that Mr Johnson, from Holmhill Gardens, and who left his partner, Marie Hilder, son Jack, seven, and stepson Daniel, 11, was involved in the accident near the junction with Thorpe Road at about 7.45pm.

In evidence read out , Ian Blain, trauma team leader at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, said at first Mr Johnson was conscious and talking.

However, he had injuries to the right side of his head, body, chest and abdomen and eventually went into cardiac arrest. At 9.30pm the decision was taken to stop resuscitation attempts.

A post-mortem report by Dr Nigel Cooper stated Mr Johnson's injuries were consistent with having been in collision with a car. Cause of death was given as chest and abdominal injuries.

The inquest heard neither the car nor the motorcycle had been exceeding the 30mph limit.

After the inquest, Mr Johnson's brother, Alan, 46, surrounded by other family members, said: "Ronnie was a good guy and a great dad. We're all absolutely heartbroken."

He added the family had not been happy with the sentence given to Mrs Kirkbride.