A MOTORCYCLIST was playing a game of Russian roulette when he overtook a car on the brow of a hill, an inquest heard.

Coroner Geoff Fell was speaking at the inquest into the death of Lawrence Armstrong, 55, of Newton Hall, Durham.

He died after his motorcycle hit a black Ford Mondeo towing a caravan on the A684 on June 5. He was travelling from Kirby Stephen to Hawes at the time.

The caravan, coming from the opposite direction, was approaching the brow of a hill and was hidden from view for at least a minute before the collision.

Amanda Firth was driving her Mercedes in the same direction as Mr Armstrong when she noticed him come up behind her. She told the court she had her children in the car and had said told them she hoped he would not overtake as it was dangerous.

But Mr Armstrong did try and overtake. However, as he pulled out the caravan appeared and, in order to avoid hitting Mrs Firth's car, he veered to his right, catching the off-side of the Ford.

The car's driver, Richard Bell, a HGV driver by trade, said he had not been able to work since the accident for fear of being involved in another accident.

"I lost my job through it because I cannot concentrate properly," he said. "I envisage accidents that aren't going to happen."

Mr Fell said he sympathised with Mr Bell and said he felt Mr Armstrong would too if he were alive.

He added: "It's almost self evident what happened. The minute Mr Armstrong made the decision to overtake Mrs Firth that was it. It was a form of Russian roulette. He was gambling that there was nothing coming over the brow."

He recorded a verdict of accidental death at yesterday's hearing in Harrogate.