AN inquest has been told of the moments leading up to a crash which claimed the life of Seaham motorcyclist Frazer Golden.

The 30-year-old died following a collision involving another motorcyclist, David Frost, on the A689 at St John's Chapel, in Weardale, on Sunday April 9, 2017.

A three-day-hearing which opened at Crook Coroner's Court yesterday was told Mr Golden died of head, neck and chest injuries at the scene, despite the best efforts of bystanders and medics.

A toxicology report showed there was no alcohol or any drugs in his system.

Mr Golden's colleague at Nissan, Simon McKenzie, described how they had been on a ride to Alston and were returning for a night shift when the tragedy unfolded at about 2.30pm.

Mr McKenzie, who was riding in front, said as he was taking a right hand bend on the approach to the village in his lane and he was travelling at about 55mph in the 60 zone.

He said two motorcycles came past him from the opposite direction, "at speed", on the central white line.

When he looked in his rear view mirror Mr McKenzie said Mr Golden did not appear over a crest in the road and he knew something had happened.

He retraced his route and came across Mr Golden lying in the road.

His Honda motorcycle was propped up against a lamppost.

Laura Taylor, who was riding behind Mr Frost, said they left St John's Chapel driving toward Ireshopeburn.

She said Mr Frost was to the left of the white line, while she was to the middle of her side of the road, travelling at 30 - 40mph.

"We were about to enter a left-hand bend when a motorcycle came towards us at speed.

"I thought I he was going to hit me. As he passed me I was tugged by the motion of his motorcycle passing.

"I turned over and looked over my shoulder to see what was that.

"As I looked back I saw Mr Frost had gone into the bend and the flashing of brake lights.

"The next thing he is going down the road. He slid down the road with his bike and then parted company from the bike and bike crossed over the lanes."

Ms Taylor said she had not seen the collision.

Mr Frost, of Hebburn, was charged with causing death by careless driving in 2018 before the case collapsed the following year, when the 35-year-old defendant was formally acquitted at Durham Crown Court.

The CPS said there was insufficient evidence, "to provide a realistic prospect of conviction", for the offence of causing death by careless driving.

It later apologised to the Goldens after it emerged that its North-East office incorrectly overruled its London Appeal Review Unit in offering no evidence in 2019.

Susan Hemming, the CPS director of legal services, said in a letter to the family that the case, “should have been prosecuted and adjudicated upon by the court”.

Mr Frost will be giving evidence today.