A BIKER died on a notorious Burnley Road just weeks before his son was born, an inquest has heard.

Friends and family members of Paul Brabazon, yesterday paid tribute to the 36-year-old who was killed in Burnley Road, Cliviger The biker from Littleborough in Rochdale, was leading a group of friends on the outskirts of Todmorden back in June last year when the accident happened, Burnley Coroner’s Court heard.

Mr Brabazon, who had been riding since the age of 17, overtook a minibus before approaching a bend in the road where he lost control.

Speaking at the inquest, PC Richard Harrison, from East Lancashire’s accident investigation unit, said: “The weather conditions were fine and there was nothing about the surface of the road which would have affected motorcyclists.

“Paul’s machine was a brand new one and did not have any defects which could have caused the accident.

“The road markings show that he tried to dramatically reduce his speed after pulling in front of the mini bus but lost control on the bend.

“He was thrown from his bike into some road bollards which were on the road at the time.”

Speaking at the inquest, John Dodrill, Mr Brabazon’s brother-in-law, said: “Paul was the life and soul of the party and was always safe on the roads.

“He was a season-ticket holder at Manchester United and loved sport including martial arts.

“He and my sister were married and they were about to have their first son Ethan, who was born three weeks after the accident.

“We all miss him so much and we all loved him.”

During the inquest yesterday, eye witnesses described how Mr Brabazon tried to apply the brakes as soon as he hit the bend. But the bike wobbled and threw him into the road.

East Lancs Coroner Richard Taylor said: “On another day he may not have tried to overtake the vehicle in front of him because he was an experienced, cautious rider.

“Maybe his mind was elsewhere because he was expecting his first child but usually he was a diligent, safety conscious road user.”

Mr Brabazon, an engineer, died as a result of his multiple injuries.