A motorcyclist died after he went through a red light and was hit by an oncoming car, an inquest heard.Mark Bateman, of Rosedale Gardens, Belton, died on October 4 last year after he was involved in the accident on the A146 junction with the B1332 Bungay Road, just outside Norwich.

A motorcyclist died after he went through a red light and was hit by an oncoming car, an inquest heard.

Mark Bateman, of Rosedale Gardens, Belton, died on October 4 last year after he was involved in the accident on the A146 junction with the B1332 Bungay Road, just outside Norwich.

The 43-year-old was riding a black Suzuki motorcycle when he involved in the crash with a black Mercedes.

He was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital where he died from multiple injuries sustained in the crash.

An inquest into his death was held at Norwich's Assembly House today.

PC Paul Cant, crash investigator, said: “The Mercedes struck the near side of the Suzuki which then struck a bollard and a traffic lights pole. The rider struck the windscreen and roof of the Mercedes and landed on the kerb.

“The Mercedes was not travelling at excessive speed and the traffic lights were working correctly. The traffic lights were in the favour of the Mercedes, not the Suzuki. It's unknown why the Suzuki went through the red lights.”

The inquest heard how it had been a clear, fine day and that Mr Bateman, who enjoyed riding his bike for a hobby, had been out for a ride on a “familiar route”.

It is believed he emerged from the Bungay Road and it is not known which direction he was intending to travel.

Martin Spindler, who was driving the Mercedes, said he did not see him until it was too late. He said: “I was concentrating on going across the lights when my daughter shouted something.

“I then saw the motorcyclist side view on, I hit the brakes, the impact happened instantly and the air bags went off. My daughter and I jumped out of the car and rang the emergency services.”

Paul Clough, who was also on a motorbike at the time of the accident, said: “I was at the opposite set of traffic lights, it all happened about six or seven metres in front of me. I remember shouting 'no' through my helmet.”

The inquest heard how Mr Bateman had held a full motorcycle licence for more then seven years and had owned the Suzuki since February 2006.

He was one of 10 motorcyclists killed on Norfolk's roads last year. He leaves behind his wife Amanda.

Yvonne Blake, assistant deputy coroner, recorded a verdict of accidental death.