A CORONER yesterday recorded a verdict of unlawful killing on a motorcyclist who was the victim of a hit and run.

Ralph Snowdon, 67, from Riccall, near York, died on May 28 last year when his bike was forced off the road by another motorcyclist.

The speeding culprit was on the wrong side of the road and did not stop, despite clipping a second innocent motorcyclist, leaving him with minor injuries.

Yesterday's inquest at County Hall, Northallerton, heard that the rogue biker may have been travelling at more than 85mph.

Mr Snowdon was riding with two friends on the B1257 towards Stokesley when he came across the black-helmeted rider just before the village of Chop Gate.

The rider was taking a racing line through a right-hand bend and was on the wrong side of the road.

Car driver Annette Diers, who had just been overtaken by Mr Snowdon, described the moment she first saw the oncoming biker.

"The bike was travelling at high speed," she said.

"It was like a bullet and you cannot alter the path of a bullet."

Accident investigator PC Stephen Kirkbright told the inquest there was no evidence of a collision, but said Mr Snowdon had swerved to avoid the bike, lost control, and hit a stone wall.

A post-mortem examination found he died from internal injuries and had suffered a fractured skull.

PC Kirkbright said a reconstruction had found it was possible to take the right-hand bend at 85mph and still stay on the right side of the road.

He said a man was arrested in connection with the crash, but no charges were brought on the advice of the Crown Prosecution Service.

Recording his verdict, coroner Michael Oakley said: "Somebody is out there who knows what happened on that day.

"It will be on that person's conscience for the rest of their life and I would make a plea that the person comes forward."

Mr Snowdon's daughter, Mandy, said she was pleased with the verdict.

She also urged the mystery biker to contact the police.

"I just hope and pray that they can't live with themselves and they come forward," she said.

Speaking after the hearing, Sergeant Neil Campbell said the inquiry would not be closed.

He said: "It is one of the most horrendous pieces of motorcycling that I have ever been witness to.

"This motorcyclist went over and above what you would expect in a normal accident."