A CYCLIST killed in a road accident had just started to turn his troubled life around, a inquest heard.

Lee Alan Jones was killed after he was hit by a car as he cycled across a road without looking, the hearing was told.

But the accident happened just days after he had met a girl and made changes in his life.

Mr Jones was struck by a Vauxhall Corsa as he crossed Moor Lane, in Bolton town centre, at 1pm on May 26.

The 34-year-old, of St George’s Road, in the town centre, suffered head injuries and died in Royal Bolton Hospital on May 30.

Bolton Coroner’s Court heard that Mr Jones had learning difficulties and a speech impediment.

He had left school at 16 without qualifications and had lived in various locations, carrying out odd jobs to get by.

The separation of his parents, Allan and Antionette Jones, in 1976 and his mother leaving Bolton badly affected him.

One the day of the accident, Mr Jones had been to Derek’s Carpets in Moor Lane and had seemed to be making changes to his life, the inquest heard.

Manager Andrew Scholfield said: “He used to do odd jobs for me regularly. He never had a shave and was scruffy. But that day, he came in tidy and clean and said he had met a girl over the weekend.”

Mr Scholfield sent him across the road to the bus station to get hot drinks.

The court heard that Mr Jones cycled out of the station at speed, without the drinks, and was crossing the road when the collision occurred.

Mark McGilvrey was walking along Moor Lane and was struck by Mr Jones’ bike, leaving him with minor leg injuries.

He recalled what he saw leading up to the accident. Two cars were travelling towards Deansgate in adjoining lanes.

One car, a VW Passat, was partly blocking the side view of the driver of the other car, a Vauxhall Corsa.

Mr McGilvrey said: “I saw the cyclist come out of the bus depot and fly down. I thought he’s not going to make it.

“The Volkswagen Passat slammed its brakes on but I said that the Vauxhall Corsa is going to hit him.

“The cyclist nearly hit the Volkswagen Passat and the Corsa didn’t see him.”

The Corsa driver, Matthew Sherlock, told the inquest: “There was a Volkswagen Passat at the side of me and the driver braked.

“By the time I could see across his bonnet, the cyclist was virtually on top of my car. There was just no way I could stop.”

The cause of death was a catastrophic brain injury, described by doctors as very extensive with very little chance of survival.

Mr Walsh recorded a verdict of accidental death and issued advice for cyclists.

He said: “Riders should wear helmets and as much protection as possible. A helmet may have reduced the impact for Mr Jones.”

Speaking after the coroner’s inquest, Mr Jones’ father, Allan, paid tribute to his son.

He said: “He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.”

cherry.thomas@theboltonnews.co.uk