A MOTORCYCLIST was killed when when he was struck by rotten tree which fell on to a Hampshire road, an inquest heard.

Biker Jake Podesta was riding along an unlit section of Greatbridge Road in Romsey when he was struck by a falling horse chestnut tree.

Winchester Coroner’s court heard that although conditions were damp there was no wind, rain, or any other factor that could have caused the tree to fall.

A report from PC Emma Clifton, who investigated the incident, said the cause lay with the condition of the tree which was in a poor state when it fell in the road.

“The tree had not uprooted but had fractured partway up the trunk. The tree was dry and crumbling, consistent with rot,” she said.

A report from Michael Ripley, arboricultural officer for Hampshire County Council, said the tree was dead, and could have been for several years.

However, fellow council arboricultural officer Mark Weal said the tree in question had shown no signs of defects when it was last checked in 2014.

“When a tree is dead the wood will deteriorate, but different trees do so at different rates,” he said.

Witness Christopher Bone said there was nothing the 28-year-old motorcyclist could have done to avoid the tree, and that prior to the collision Mr Podesta was driving like “Captain Sensible”.

Despite attempts to save the shop worker, from King’s Somborne, by passing motorists and paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after.

A post-mortem carried out by Dr Adnan Al-Badri confirmed that Mr Podesta had died of severe neck injuries.

Senior Coroner Grahame Short said the tree could have fallen at any time.

“It was a case of being in the wrong place, at the wrong time and unfortunately Jake was in that place.” he said.

Mr Short concluded that Mr Podesta’s death was a tragic accident.

After the accident Councillor Rob Humby, executive member for environment and transport at Hampshire County Council said: “I was very sorry to hear of this accident and my thoughts are with the young man’s family and friends.

“The tree in question was on private land. The coroner had no recommendations in relation to the county council’s highway inspections.

“The county council will continue inspecting trees on the public highway according to its policy based on national guidance and will take appropriate action where safety defects are identified. ”