A MOTORCYCLIST who died in a crash opposite The Jolly Farmer pub near Binsted in May was riding while drunk, an inquest has heard.

Paul Hoffman, 52, from Ash, died in the crash on Blacknest Road at around 8.50pm on May 22.

Mr Hoffman was thought to have braked heavily as he travelled south-east along the road, and parted company with his black Harley Davidson Softail bike.

An inquest into the fatal crash at Basingstoke Law Courts on Wednesday last week heard the biker lost control of his bike “for no obvious reason” and died at the scene after hitting the road surface.

North East Hampshire coroner Andrew Bradley ruled a verdict of accidental death.

It was believed at the time of the crash that a second motorcyclist, on a similar bike, was also using that stretch of road.

A 50-year-old Camberley man was arrested in connection with the collision and released on bail while investigations continue until September 6.