AN inexperienced biker died after losing control of a powerful motorcycle, an inquest heard today.

Brian Burlinson, 25, of Chapel Drive, Delves Lane, Consett, did not have a bike licence or insurance for his Kawasaki, but the engineer took it out for a spin on July 25 last year.

He lost control on the A692 in Consett, near McDonald's roundabout at 8.45pm.

An inquest at County Hall in Durham heard how the bike hit a lamppost and demolished a section of fencing.

Accident investigators were unable to estimate how fast he going but eyewitnesses said he was travelling "at speed".

Motorist Christopher Todd was on the road in his silver Vauxhall Astra at the time.

He said: "The motorbike was travelling up the hill and I remarked to my wife how fast he was going.

"He flashed past me. I glanced in my rear view mirror and in the distance it looked like the motorbike was in the air and the rider was just as high but had become separated from it.

"I said to my wife 'I think he has hit the lamppost'."

Mr Todd turned around and joined other passers-by in calling the emergency services to help the injured man.

Mr Burlinson was comforted at the scene by Dawn Raisbeck but died later at the University Hospital of North Durham.

The inquest heard Mr Burlinson he had suffered multiple injuries.

PC Andy Edgar confirmed Mr Burlinson should not have been using the bike on public roads.

He said: "Other than scrambling off road bikes he had no motorcycling experience.

"It was the first road going bike that he had ridden. He had only had it for a matter of weeks.

"My understanding is that it was his intention to get a licence and insurance for it."

Assistant deputy coroner Graham Hunsley recorded a verdict of accidental death.

He said: "Although it is not possible to give an accurate idea of speed, he seems to have been travelling quite quickly and was riding a powerful machine.

"What is clear is that Mr Burlinson was an inexperienced rider and not used to riding a machine of this capacity."