A 20-year-old man has been jailed for 10 years for a violent robbery and burglary spree targeting motorbikes, including a machete attack on a biker in Sale.
Kade Cox, of Salford, was sentenced earlier this week after pleading guilty to robbery, burglary with intent to steal and a further two counts of burglary where bikes were stolen during both incidents. He must serve at least seven-and-a-half years before he will be released.
Machete attack caught on CCTV
CCTV footage shared by Greater Manchester Police shows Cox and two other masked individuals on motorbikes in the Sale area on April 17 last year. All appear to be wearing face coverings, as one rides on one bike, and two are on another.
The group can be seen riding across pavements and overtaking cars at speed on a junction before following a biker on Melrose Avenue. As they catch up to him, they appear to force him to crash into a wall outside a house.
As the man fell to the ground, the group launched a violent attack, during which he was repeatedly hit with a machete. While he tries to stand up, the group grab hold of him and repeatedly punch, kick and strike him with the machete. They can then be seen to pry the bike from him before making off.
Victim left with serious injuries
Despite attempting to hold on, the group stole his electric bike and fled. He was left with a number of serious injuries including a severe laceration to his thumb, and cuts to his face.
Cox, who was identified through an extensive CCTV trawl, was also found to be involved in three other thefts or attempted thefts of motorbikes and electric bikes between April and July 2025.
Linked offences across Leigh and Tyldesley
Including the attack, the group were involved in stealing two motorbikes from a shed in Leigh on June 4. They were found to have broken into a garage in Tyldesley and stealing another three bikes including an electric bike on July 19. They were also involved in forcing entry to a garage in Leigh but left empty-handed on discovering there were no motorbikes inside on July 25.
Senior Investigating Officer PC Richard Kelsall of GMP Wigan’s Neighbourhood team said: “This was a horrific attack which left a victim with significant injuries. Kade Cox alongside two others looked to incite fear and violence through any means possible just so they could steal an electric bike.
“This was a sustained and targeted series of thefts and burglaries, one of which left a victim with significant injuries. I would particularly like to note the courage of the victim who has bravely supported this investigation and continued to throughout sentencing.
“Through extensive CCTV enquiries, officers were able to link four separate offences and identified Cox as being involved throughout.
“We hope this sentence demonstrates our determination to pursue offenders who target our communities and commit violent offences for their own personal gain.”
