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Posted on the 7th February 2025 in PHTM News
INQUEST HEARS CABBIE HAD NO CHANCE TO AVOID STANLEY CRASH THAT KILLED TEEN MOTORCYCLIST
A taxi driver had "no chance" of avoiding a collision with a teenage motorcyclist who died last October, an inquest heard.
Tony "TJ" Hedley, 16, died on October 5, 2024, from head and neck injuries sustained in the collision with a taxi driven by Kevin Malpass in South Moor. Hedley was attempting to overtake the taxi as it turned right from Park Road into Charles Street.
At the inquest at Crook Coroner's Court, Senior Coroner for County Durham and Darlington, Jeremy Chipperfield, concluded that Hedley died as a result of a road traffic collision. The court heard evidence from police investigators and witnesses who described seeing Hedley and a pillion passenger on a blue Yamaha motorbike traveling at speed on Park Road.
The collision occurred as the taxi turned, with the motorcycle hitting the driver's side.
Despite efforts to resuscitate him, Hedley was pronounced dead at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle about 90 minutes later. Toxicology reports confirmed he had no alcohol or drugs in his system. His passenger also suffered serious injuries.
Forensic collision investigator Madeleine Davies-Luke from Durham Constabulary testified that while the exact speed of the motorcycle could not be determined, CCTV footage suggested it was traveling faster than other traffic and likely exceeding the 30mph speed limit. She stated that Malpass had driven safely and performed the necessary checks before turning.
"At the time he conducted his mirror checks prior to turning at the junction it was clear that there were no vehicles for him to consider, especially given the speed limit of that road," Davies-Luke explained. She added, "It is entirely reasonable that he may not have perceived the motorcycle as a hazard at that point."
Witness Michael Boyd, who was nearby collecting a pizza, provided a statement saying: "I saw a bike coming really quickly. As it was going past my car, I could see it had two lads on it... I returned to my car and drove to leave the car park. As I looked to my right I saw the same motorbike coming back towards me at speed. There were still two people on it.
"I could see a white taxi turning right into Charles Street... The motorbike was following and went to overtake just as it was turning. It went straight into it. The taxi driver stood no chance [of avoiding the crash]."
Taxi driver Kevin Malpass stated, "It was about [8pm] and when turning right I had activated my right indicator and conducted all my checks and mirror checks. As I was turning right I heard the sound of a motorbike."
In his closing remarks, Senior Coroner Chipperfield said: "I am going to record a conclusion that TJ died in a road traffic collision."
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