(Image: GMP)
Speeding biker 'made no effort to brake' before killing 'kind' pensioner as he crossed road
by Ashlie Blakey · Manchester Evening NewsA speeding motorcyclist who killed a 'kind' pensioner as he crossed the road in Wigan has been put behind bars.
Daniel Rimmer, 22, was riding his motorbike along Haigh Road in the Aspull area at around 9.30pm on the evening of May 18, 2022, when he ploughed into 71-year-old Clive Smees. At the time of the crash, Rimmer was riding in 'awful weather conditions' in the dark, police said.
But instead of slowing down on the wet surface, having seen Clive on the road ahead of him, he 'made no significant effort to brake' and knocked him down. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "Officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit launched an investigation which revealed that Clive had been in the carriageway for over six seconds when the collision occurred.
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"Despite having seen Clive ahead of him, Rimmer failed to slow down and continued towards him at high speed, above the limit, making no significant effort to brake and prevent the collision."
Clive sadly suffered catastrophic injuries and died on the scene. His family said he is 'dearly missed by his loving wife, son and daughters and grandchildren'.
Rimmer, of Sandy Lane, Hindley, was arrested and later charged with causing death by dangerous driving. Today (October 17), he appeared at Bolton Crown Court to be sentenced after pleading guilty.
He was locked up for three years and four months. Police said he has also ben banned from driving for six years and eight months, and will have to take an extended retest.
(Image: MEN Media)
Speaking after the sentencing, Clive’s family said: "We have today sought justice following Clive’s untimely and unnecessary death. Clive is one of many people who have tragically lost their lives on Greater Manchester roads through the dangerous actions of others.
"We will forever remember him, his character of kindness and calmness but above all his fondness to give love and be loved. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, son and daughters and grandchildren.
"We would like to thank the officers of Greater Manchester Police and the CPS for their diligence in this investigation that brought it to court." Detective Constable Phil Drummond from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit added: "Rimmer knew the area; he knew the time of evening and the likelihood of encountering pedestrians on his journey.
"Despite the awful weather conditions, he chose speed and exhilaration over safety. His lack of responsibility resulted in Clive never returning home.
"While nothing will ever make up for Rimmer’s selfish actions, I hope his sentencing brings Clive’s family some level of closure, and the thoughts of the entire investigation team will always be with them.”