A MAN died after he was struck by a car while lying on the A1 motorway, an inquest heared yesterday.

Barry Spence, 33, of Gilesgate, Durham, had been drinking cider while travelling home with his girlfriend, Catherine Scott.

The inquest, at Chester-le-Street Magistrates' Court, heard that he became violent and abusive.

Ms Scott made him get out of the car near junction 59, near Darlington, at about 11pm on March 5. She went back to look for him but could not find him.

The inquest was told he was struck two hours later by a BMW driven by Simon Faulkner. Mr Faulkner was travelling south at about 70mph when he realised he had hit something.

A post-mortem examination showed that Mr Spence had died of multiple injuries.

Deputy Coroner Brenda Davidson recorded a verdict of accidental death.