A MOTORCYCLIST who is believed to have removed his helmet because of toothache died from massive head injuries following a crash.

Paul Eggerton, who lived with his parents in Rye Street, Birtsmorton, near Malvern, had gone out to buy the family's Lottery ticket and to get credit for his mobile phone in Upton-upon-Severn at about 1pm on Wednesday, October 6, 2004.

But en route, the 33-year-old somehow lost control of the motorbike and crashed at Longdon Marsh.

He was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital then transferred to Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry where he died almost a week later on Tuesday, October 12.

At an inquest into his death held in Stourport-upon-Severn yesterday, Worcestershire coroner Victor Round said removing his helmet had proved fatal for Mr Eggerton.

"The helmet was found fastened by the neck strap at the scene, some 15 metres away from the bike," he said.

"The scuff markings to the helmet are consistent with having rolled across the road rather than suffering a hard impact."

He added: "The reason why Paul Eggerton was not wearing his helmet is unknown.

"It is believed he was suffering from toothache and may have removed it to temporarily relieve some discomfort."

The coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Mr Eggerton taught line-dancing every week at Hanley Swan Village Hall and worked as a cashier at Tesco in Ledbury for three years.