A MOMENTARY lapse of concentration cost motorcyclist Paul Michael Hollyhead his life.

An inquest heard that his powerful 900cc Honda Fireblade clipped the kerb as he joined the roundabout at Whitebirk, sending the machine out of control and the rider skidding across the road and into the opposite kerb.

The 34-year-old Darwen-based sales manager for an American pharmaceutical company died as a result of severe damage to his liver.

The only witness to the incident, Neil Ramsbottom, a driver for Althams Travel, said he was joining the roundabout from the M65 Eastbound when the motorbike joined from the Westbound carriageway.

He saw the motorbike coming down the slip road and as it joined the roundabout it somersaulted. He said the bike was not travelling fast.

Police accident investigator PC Tim Hogan, told the inquest it was apparent the bike had hit the kerb, taken off and then landed, sending the rider flying. He said the road layout was standard at all slip roads, but said he had been in touch with the Highways Agency suggesting that the kerb could be made more visible.

"It would seem that the motorcyclist had been looking to his right to see that the road is clear and has lost sight of the kerb," said PC Hogan. "There are no defects as such with the kerb or the road layout but there is always room for improvement."

Earlier, Michael Hollyhead, Paul's father, said that his son had moved to Darwen from the Midlands because of his love of Lancashire. The motorbike was his hobby and Mr Hollyhead senior described his son as extremely safety-conscious.

"He always bought the best safety equipment and would not go out on his bike if it was raining," said Mr Hollyhead.

Deputy coroner Carolyn Singleton recorded a verdict of accidental death.