Tragic PC lost control of bike for split second

A TRAFFIC officer from Grotton died in a motorcycle accident while touring Europe with colleagues.

PC Jonny Millington, who was based at the traffic unit in Chadderton, was thrown into a storm drain when he lost control of his Suzuki for a split second in Germany’s Black Forest.

Attempts to resuscitate the 37-year-old failed and he died at the scene from multiple injuries.

An inquest heard yesterday how PC Millington, of Quick Edge Lane, was 10 days into the trip with two colleagues when he died on July 16, last year. They had travelled around 2,500 miles.

Partner Katie Hague said: “He sent me a text message at about 2pm British time, just telling me he loved me.”

PC Millington, who had a daughter from a previous relationship, had travelled through France, Switzerland, Italy and Spain. He was due home on July 20.

Miss Hague added: “He was just very funny, very sarcastic. Just a nice person.”

PC John Humes, from Ashton, was riding behind his friend when the accident happened. It was the group’s first day off from travelling long distances.

He said: “We had a lie-in that morning. We had had a nice relaxing evening and we had promised ourselves a well-earned rest the next day. That’s why there was no pressure to be up on the 16th.”

They were on their way to visit Baden Baden on a dry and sunny day when PC Humes lost sight of his colleague on a bend on the single carriageway B500.

He then saw the bike rolling violently and PC Millington face-down in a storm drain which had been covered by concrete slabs.

A report by the German authorities blamed a brake fault. However, PC Humes said his friend had not complained about his bike and had been riding at an appropriate speed. He described him as a competent rider, adding: “Knowing Mr Millington, had there been any suspicion that there was any defect at all with his vehicle in terms of braking, I can say with absolute conviction he would have stopped to examine the issue.”

Coroner Simon Nelson said the bike, which has since been destroyed, had not been independently examined to collaborate a brake problem. There was no evidence of the involvement of drugs or alcohol.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, he said: “Mr Millington’s sudden death will come as a huge loss not only to Greater Manchester Police, but also to his family and those who cared for and loved him.”

Inspector Carl Rainford said after the inquest: “I was Jonny’s relief inspector prior to him joining the Road Policing Unit. He was a conscientious, hard-working officer who devoted his life to the police service. He was a loyal and supportive colleague.

“His humour was renowned. He is sorely missed and our thoughts remain with his family.”