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Investigation and inquest
On the 19th April 2023, an investigation was commenced into the death of Leonardo Cardoso Machado, born on the 13th July 2005.
The investigation concluded at the end of the Inquest on the 11th September 2025.
The Medical Cause of Death was:
1a Traumatic Head and Neck Injuries
1b
1c
2
The conclusion of the Inquest as recorded by the jury empanelled to hear the Inquest was that Leonardo Cardoso Machado died at Lindsay Road near junction with St Aldhelm's Rd, Poole, Dorset on 16th April 2023.
On balance of probability the fact the Police attempted to effect a traffic stop at the County Gates Gyratory caused Leo to “make off” at high speed through the red traffic lights to continue to travel at speed along Lindsay Rd.
The excessive speed of the motorbike driven by Leo was the causative factor in the collision causing Leo to lose control at the bend in the road and drive into the railings on Lindsay Rd.
The cause of death was traumatic head and neck injuries caused by the road traffic collision.
Circumstances of the death
Leo was 17 years of age at the time of his death. Leo “rented” an “Uber Eats” delivery licence, although he was too young to obtain such a licence himself. As a result of the rented licence, Leo was able to earn money as a food delivery driver.
In the early hours of 16th April 2023 Leo was riding a 599cc Yamaha sports bike with an “Uber Eats” delivery box attached to the rear. He was not licenced to use such a motorcycle, which requires a full category A driving licence, with the licence holder being 21 years of age or older. Leo had been stationary on the motorcycle at a red light when approached by police. He made off at speed and subsequently lost control of the motorcycle, colliding with metal railings and sustaining injuries that caused his death.
Coroner’s concerns
1. During the inquest evidence was heard that:
i. There is significant national concern about the “rental” of food delivery licences to under 18s. In general terms, food delivery platforms place age restrictions on those who can obtain a licence to deliver food. However, there appears to be no oversight of the rental of these licences to those under the age limit. This places children in a vulnerable position: lone working, often at night, riding electric or motorised scooters, mopeds or motorcycles and delivering to individuals that are not known to the drivers.
2. I have concerns with regard to the following:
i. There appears to be no or limited oversight of the practice of “renting” a food delivery licence to children under 18 years of age, which I regard is a national issue;
ii. As a consequence, children are working in the food delivery economy, which involves lone working at night, with deliveries being made to the home addresses of private individuals, placing the children in a vulnerable position;
iii. That placing children in a lone working environment at night and on the roads on electric or motorised scooters, mopeds or motorcycles also increases the risks of them coming to harm through a road traffic collision, leading to a risk of death.
Information checked against the published report and official responses