A 'one-of-a-kind' biker was killed when his motorcycle went into the path of oncoming traffic on an A-road, an inquest has heard.

Ryan Homewood died in hospital after he collided with a VW Polo while riding on the A262 Sissinghurst Road towards Biddenden. He was aged just 26.

An inquest held at Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone on Monday heard the Greenhithe resident was leading a convoy of three friends, also on bikes, on May 16 when his blue Suzuki crossed onto the wrong side of the road while going around a bend.

As the toxicology report revealed no drugs or alcohol in Mr Homewood's system, investigations into the tragedy were unable to confirm as to why his bike left the correct side of the road.

Investigating officer PC Youngs said conditions that could have affected the crash - including weather, road quality and bike safety - were all normal, leaving some form of rider error as the more likely cause.

Crash data from the black VW showed the driver was travelling well under the 60mph speed limit and did her best to brake and turn away from the oncoming bike.

Witnesses were quoted in the inquest as saying that the convoy of four bikes overtook them going beyond the speed limit, but this was denied by Mr Homewood's riding friends, who said they were staying at or below the speed limit to help a newly-qualified member of the group gain confidence on the roads.

Summing up, assistant coroner Katrina Hepburn said possible reasons for the crash were either Mr Homewood travelling at excess speed, misjudging the bend, or losing control of the bike because of an 'undulation' in the road.

Mr Homewood's grieving family paid tribute to him in a heartfelt statement following the crash.

"We are struggling to come to terms with the loss of Ryan,” they said at the time.

"Ryan has a unique character and he is one of a kind who is loved by everyone.

"We would like to thank everyone who sent their condolences, flowers and cards."

Following the crash, bouquets and a card were tied to a post near where the accident happened in the hamlet of Three Chimneys.

One of the notes on the card read: “Ryan, I will always remember our times together, it was a pleasure to have known you.”

Another said: “What can I say, I’ll miss you man. Gone but never forgotten.”

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