A coroner has issued a festive message to drivers after hearing how a motorcyclist involved in a crash had been drinking.

Graham Spencer, 26, of Manor Road, Cottingley, suffered head injuries when his machine struck the kerb and he was thrown over a wall in Cottingley, Bingley, earlier this year.

He was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary but died the next day from a fractured skull. Bradford Coroner Roger Whittaker told the hearing that the tragedy illustrated the dangers of drinking and driving.

"As we approach Christmas, it may be an object lesson that people should not combine alcohol and driving,'' he added.

Tests revealed that Mr Spencer had a blood alcohol reading of 137mgs. Mr Whittaker said it was clear the alcohol would have affected Mr Spencer's judgement and he should not have been driving.

He could only conclude that Mr Spencer had a "moment of inattention coupled with the alcohol'' before he hit the kerb and went over the wall.

Kevin Longstaff, one of Mr Spencer's friends, told how he found him lying on the other side of the stone wall at the junction of Cottingley Cliffe Road and Nab Wood Drive.

Accident investigator PC Peter Cuthbert said there was nothing to suggest the motorbike was being driven fast. Mr Spencer might have made a "slight misjudgement'' or something might have caught his eye before he veered. A verdict of accidental death was recorded.

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