A MOTORCYCLIST killed in an horrific accident in Crouch End was about to return to his native Australia to propose to his girlfriend

Charlotte Newton

A MOTORCYCLIST killed in an horrific accident in Crouch End was about to return to his native Australia to propose to his girlfriend.

Andrew Martin Johnson, 27, was killed when his motorbike crashed into a bus shelter on Crouch Hill in the early hours of May 1.

Mr Johnson was planning to return to the Gold Coast in the next few weeks to propose to his long term girlfriend Tammy Blake, according to his older brother Duncan Johnson.

"Tammy returned to Australia a few months ago because her mother is sick," he said. "Andrew was planning to finish up working here and go home later this month to propose to Tammy. He bought her engagement ring about a month ago."

A systems engineer, Duncan Johnson, 29, had been staying with his younger brother for a month while he fitted CCTV cameras on the underground. He finished working two weeks ago and spent the past two weeks visiting different parts of England with his brother.

Duncan was asleep in Andrew's flat in Haslemere Road, Crouch End, on the night of the crash.

"Andrew popped out on his motorbike - probably to see friends. I didn't find out what had happened until the next morning. I don't suppose we'll ever know what caused the accident."

Duncan said his younger brother came to England to spread his wings and experience life on the other side of the world.

A qualified plumber, Andrew was working in Crouch End as a handyman and living in a shared flat with friends. He met Ms Blake in England.

"Andrew liked London and was very keen to experience a different culture and way of life. He was a very energetic, outgoing and fun person. He liked riding his motorbike and enjoyed rock climbing.

"He was also a volunteer with the bush fire brigade and had a licence to drive trucks," Duncan said.

The Johnsons' parents, Ian, 63, and Mary, 60, are both British. Mr Johnson senior originally comes from Waltham Abbey while Mrs Waltham grew up in Dundee.

A third brother, Stuart, 30, flew over to England last week to support Duncan.

Duncan said: "Stuart, Andrew and I were brothers but we were also best friends. We are a very close family so it's obviously a hard time for everyone right now.

"We have had a lot of support from family friends who have telephoned us. The British police and Australian Embassy have also been very helpful."

Stuart and Duncan flew back to Australia with their brother's body on Saturday.

Mr Johnson's funeral will take place tomorrow.

broadway@hamhigh.co.uk