An inquest has heard how a local competitor in the Southern 100 died after hitting a wall at high speed during a practice session at this year's race meeting.

Forty-six-year-old David Stephen Jukes from Braddan lost control of his machine after he ran into the back of another rider at more than 100 miles per hour.

The accident happened on the approach to Ballakeighan Corner during the final lap of the 600cc practice session on Monday, July 9.

Mr Jukes, an intensive care nurse and father-of-one, died instantly as a result of multiple injuries.

The inquest heard Mr Jukes ran into the back of newcomer Tom Robinson, lost control of his Yamaha and was thrown from the machine when he hit a wall.

He had been travelling much more quickly than Mr Robinson and the two became tangled, one spectator said Mr Jukes was braking so hard his back wheel left the ground.

Mr Robinson, making his debut in the Southern 100, was oblivious to the incident and only found out what happened after completing his final practice lap.

Flag marshal Peter Harrison told the court an explosion of dust and debris filled the air.

David Jukes worked with his partner Cathy Magee in the intensive care unit at Noble's Hospital.

She described him as having a positive influence on everyone he met and lived and loved life to the full.

Coroner John Needham recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.



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