A “much loved brother, son and partner" died after losing control of his motorbike.

James Mitchell was just 27-years-old when he died.

An inquest into his death took place at Bolton Coroners Court.

The incident took place at around 10.50pm on June 13 last year.

The court heard the 27-year-old from Johnson Fold Avenue, Doffcocker, worked as a mechanic at Wordsworth Garage, Halliwell, and had been out with his boss Christopher Glynn and friends on the evening in question.

They had drunk at the Bob Smithy and later at The Blundell Arms.

Mr Glynn said Mr Mitchell had received around four pints but had a habit of not finishing them.

Multiple motorists reported seeing the bike travelling at speed towards Moss Bank Way.

Mr Mitchell was found by two joggers 150 metres away from his bike on Moss Bank Way and paramedics were called but he was pronounced dead at the scene so no resuscitation was attempted.

PC Martin Davis, from the serious collision investigation unit, said one possibility was that one of his legs had made contact with the road which caused him to lose control.

The court heard there were no faults reported with the bike, a Honda 900.

Detective Constable Carl Boyden, also from the serious collision investigation unit, said in a statement: "He appears to have lost control of the motor cycle and collided with the Armco barrier."

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Partner Kirstie Clare paid tribute to him in a statement read out at the inquest.

In a statement she said: “He had the patience of a saint.

“Anybody who had a problem would go and speak to him.

“I could not believe it at the time and his family still really miss him, I still expect him to walk through the door.

Coroner Michael Pemberton recorded a conclusion that a road traffic collision had called polytrauma which was given as the cause of death.

He said: “It is more than likely that consumption of alcohol and reduced vision from wearing sunglasses led to an accident.

“The deceased lost control and suffered multiple injuries.”

He added: “It is clear to me he was a much loved brother, son and partner.

“His loss is clearly going to be felt by many people, his friends, employer and family.”