A MOTORBIKE rider was killed in a collision with a car emerging from an industrial estate entrance in darkness, an inquest heard.

Thomas Johnson, 67, was riding his Yamaha 125cc machine northbound on the A688 from Metal Bridge to Bowburn when the accident occurred at the junction with the former Tursdale works.

The inquest in Durham heard that a Ford Mondeo driven by Lee Cain, 23, of West Cornforth, pulled out from the works exit, intending to turn right on to the A688.

The collision took place on the northbound carriageway, with the motorbike striking the offside of the Mondeo.

Mr Johnson, 67, of Dowsey Road, Sherburn Village, near Durham, was confirmed dead on arrival at hospital from multiple injuries.

Mr Cain told the inquest: "I stopped at the junction and there was nothing to the left. To the right I saw two car headlights, but I could not see the moped."

Mr Cain said he estimated it was safe to pull out and drove straight across the road, then the collision took place.

"I heard the bang, but I didn't realise what I had hit," he said.

Deputy North Durham Coroner Brenda Davidson recording a verdict of accidental death.

* Mr Cain is to appear before North Durham magistrates, at Consett, next month, charged with careless driving and driving without insurance.