Jury told motorcyclist was in 'good spirits' on day he died

Sat, 14 Nov 2015

Neil Walker

Friends of a retained firefighter who died after his motorbike collided with a car last year say he was his "usual happy self" on the day he died.

At Douglas Courthouse yesterday statements were read to the jury from two friends of 43-year-old Neil Walker - he died on the Laxey to Ramsey Coast Road on August 6th.

Derbyshire man James Ricketts is standing trial accused of causing his death by careless driving - the 51-year-old denies the charge.

Statements were read to jurors describing how Neil had been in "good spirits" whilst helping a friend with a job in Laxey before leaving for Ramsey - a journey he never completed.

Jurors also heard evidence from a police officer involved in the investigation work at the scene and a number of formal admissions were made - the trial will resume on Monday.