A FATHER-OF-FIVE died after the powerful motorcycle he was riding crashed into a safety barrier at high speed, an inquest heard.

In a tragic twist of fate, John Michael Hewitt’s 17-year-old son had also died in a motorcycle accident on the same stretch of road just two years earlier.

The inquest was told that Mr Hewitt, known as Michael, did not have a licence to ride the Suzuki 650cc machine.

The 37-year-old, of Westfield Walk, Loftus, east Cleveland, was estimated to be travelling at between 70 and 80mph when he lost control.

Mr Hewitt, who only had a provisional motorbike licence, was seen overtaking at speed on the A174 Botton bypass in east Cleveland, in April last year.

PC Stephen Garner, of Cleveland Police’s collision investigation unit, told the Middlesbrough inquest he estimated the Suzuki was being ridden at up to 80mph when Mr Hewitt lost control and smashed into the safety barrier.

“There were no defects to the motorbike that could have led to the accident,” he concluded.

Pathologist Dr David Scoones said Mr Hewitt would have died instantaneously from severe head injuries.

There was no trace of drink or drugs in his system.

Witness Jane Edmunds, who was the first person to reach him, said she was unable to find a pulse and it was clear from the extent of his injuries that he was dead.

Van driver Stephen Peel, who was overtaken by Mr Hewitt, said: “I believe the motorbike rider was travelling too fast for the road conditions and that is why he lost control of his bike.”

David Currie, who was towing his caravan along the A174, said: “I heard the roar of a high-powered motorbike coming behind me, but before I had checked my mirrors it was alongside me and it looked to be doing 70 to 80mph.”

Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Mr Hewitt’s son, also called John Michael Hewitt, died in the James Cook University Hospital of head injuries two days after a motorcycle crash on the same road in July 2006.

Mr Hewitt’s family were too upset to speak after the hearing.