Aubrey Campbell killed trying to avoid pedestrian is Seven Sisters Road
Published: 18th February, 2011
A FATHER-of-two died after a pedestrian crossing the road in a “careless manner” stepped in front of his motorcycle, an inquest has heard.
Aubrey Campbell, known as “Smudge”, from the Andover estate, in Finsbury Park, was killed when his bike hit a traffic pole in Seven Sisters Road, Holloway, on July 29 last year.
He had attempted to avoid the pedestrian, who stepped into the three-lane road at the junction with Axminster Road. The 46-year-old, who hoped to become a cabbie, was travelling within the speed limit.
An inquest at Poplar Coroner’s Court on Tuesday heard that Dimitris Tsavadaris was talking on his mobile phone and trying to catch the attention of a friend across the road when he stepped into Mr Campbell’s path. The pedestrian escaped with minor injuries.
Giving evidence, Mr Tsavadaris denied acting in a careless manner and said the light had been green for him to walk. He also denied having drunk any alcohol, although he admitted being on the phone as he stepped into the road.
He said: “When I looked there was no bike. That’s the truth. I didn’t have any time to get back onto the pavement.”
PC Paul Lomas said the way Mr Tsavadaris crossed the road was “careless” but no criminal offence had been committed.
Recording a narrative verdict, coroner Dr Andrew Reid said Mr Campbell died as a result of an accident “to which inattention by a pedestrian contributed”.
After the hearing, Mr Campbell’s sister, Rachael Adams, paid tribute to an “amazing person and a devoted father to his two sons”.
She added: “I feel proud to have shared my life with him.”