A TEENAGE motorcyclist died shortly after he was approached by police officers, a coroner’s court heard.

Leonardo Cardoso-Machado, 17, died on Lindsay Road, Branksome, in the early hours of April 16, 2023, after a single vehicle crash.

Dorset Coroner’s Court previously heard that Leonardo was born in Brazil but lived in Alexandra Road, Parkstone, at the time of his death.

He was said to be driving a black Yamaha motorcycle which collided with railings close to the junction with St Aldhelm’s Road.

Following the incident, Dorset Police referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) because Leonardo was near a police vehicle at the time of his death.

During a pre-inquest review hearing at Bournemouth Town Hall on July 30, area coroner for Dorset, Brendan Allen, said Leonardo was being followed by police at the County Gates Gyratory shortly before his death.

It was said that Leonardo stopped at a red traffic light when officers decided that they needed to speak with him.

However, once Leonardo noticed that officers were approaching him, he moved off “at speed.”

Shortly after Leonardo was involved in a tragic collision.

During the hearing Mr Allen concluded that the full inquest should be heard in front of a jury due to the possibility that Leonardo’s death may have been caused by an act or omission by a police officer.

He added: “This is not a judgment on the officer stopping to speak to Leonardo, but it is arguable that it is as of a consequence of the officer getting out of the car that he goes past the red light at speed.”

Mr Allen said the legislation in these circumstances triggers the requirement for the inquest to be held in front of a jury.

The inquest was adjourned for the full hearing on June 9, 2025, at 10am which is expected to last four days.

Following Leonardo’s death, tributes and flowers were placed at the scene with one reading: “Darling Leo… Always in our hearts with the most fondest memories.

“Missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace beautiful boy.”