65mph biker dad killed as pheasant smashes into face
A MOTORCYCLIST was killed in a freak accident after a pheasant smashed into his face and fractured his skull, an inquest heard.
Rob Patterson, 51, was travelling at up to 65mph when the 6lb game bird struck his helmeted-head.
The father of four had been riding home alongside two friends on the A470 near Dinas Mawddwy, north Wales, last November.
Fellow biker Andrew Edwards said: “It swooped down above head height. The instant it hit him, he went around to the right, down a bank and into the fields and into trees.
“He instantly collapsed on to the bike and veered off the road.”
David Roberts, the other biker on the trip, added: “All I saw was a plume of feathers. I didn’t know what had happened. I didn’t see it come from the side or top.”
The three friends had been heading home after a weekend away in Brecon.
North West Wales senior coroner Dewi Pritchard Jones recorded a conclusion of accidental death at the inquest in Caernarfon.
He said tests revealed Mr Patterson, of Llandudno Junction, north Wales, had no drugs or alcohol in his body and that his bike had no defects.
Mr Jones said: “It must have been quite a shock to have this bird flying FANCY a refreshing sun-drenched holiday? Thanks to Neutradol the air-freshener with a product for every smelly situation, you could win a week in Cyprus staying at The Club St George Resort. This delightful complex, just 5 minutes from Paphos and overlooking the sea greets guests with style, exuding a sense of Greek splendour.
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“My belief is that the impact caused the head to go back and fracture the base of the skull.
“The bike carried on through the undergrowth and further injuries were caused.”
Pathologist Dr Mark Lord said the pheasant weighed up to 6lb.
He added: “It was a significant impact. It was instant death.”
Mr Patterson, who ran a window cleaning business, leaves his partner Lizzie Day and children aged 28, 24, 15 and seven.
Niece Sonia Jones said he was “the most brilliant father – and a very proud one”. tough to shift, which is why you need hygienic and non-toxic Neutradol. Other big-brand air-fresheners just cover up bad odours with a synthetic perfume. Using the latest science Neutradol eliminates the molecules that cause bad odours in your home, work or car. Fresh air is available from Neutradol in Original, Super Fresh and new fragrance Fresh Pink all in Spray or Gel and Carpet Powder You can find the range of Neutradol products to destroy bad odours and for a chance to win a holiday to Barbados go to www.neutradol.com.