An Orpington biker died after smashing into the front of a car driving the wrong way, an inquest heard.

Motorcyclist Alan Bramson, 52, was killed on April 10 when he and Erith man David Hullett crashed into each other in Main Road, Farningham just before midday.

Hullett, a 56-year-old delivery driver from Northumberland Park, made the fatal error of turning his Citroen Xsara Picasso the wrong way into Main Road from London Road - after failing to adhere to a no right turn sign, an inquest, held at Gravesend Old Town Hall, heard today (January 13).

Mr Bramson was travelling at an average speed of 97-99 mph - along a road with a 60mph speed limit - when his front wheel was forced into the radiator of Hullett’s car - throwing him from his BMW motorbike, the coroner was told.

Although he was wearing his red and black leather protective clothing, he was pronounced dead at the scene – and was found with his helmet split into two pieces.

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Erith David Hullett, 56 of Northumberland Park

Hullett was arrested during the aftermath of the crash and claimed his dyslexia - confusing right with left - led to him misjudging the road signs.

The coroner heard that there were a number of defects with Hullett’s car - meaning it would have failed it’s mot - but none that would have affected the collision.

When Mr Bramson’s family questioned whether or not the no right turn road sign was clear enough, Kent Police’s forensic collision investigator, Angela Holmes, said it was.

She added: "The junction is very clearly set out and the layout is adequate - no changes practically need to be made."

"Mr Bramson would have been visible up to 200m from the junction with London Road."

The coroner concluded that Mr Bramson died due to a road traffic collision.

He sustained a traumatic chest injury and died at the scene.

Hullett was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court on January 8 for two years and eight months after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving - his sentence also includes a five-year driving ban.

At the time of the crash, friend Andrew Field, 34, who had known Mr Bramson for 16 years, told News Shopper: "Al was one of the nice guys.

"There's not many people in this world that you feel you can trust from the minute you meet them but Al was one of those types of guys.

"He never had a bad word to say about anyone, nor did anyone about him."

Mr Field added: "He was well respected by all of his friends and will be missed more than he would ever have expected.

"I was one of the lucky ones to have had Al in my life and he has left a dent in my mind for the rest of my time on this planet."

PC David Jeeves of Kent Police’s serious collision investigation unit added: "This was a tragic incident that will weigh on David Hullett’s conscience for the rest of his life.

"Our thoughts remain with Mr Bramson’s loved ones and hope the outcome of the investigation provides them with some small comfort."

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