'Selfish' motorcyclist killed pedestrian in crash

The motorcyclist was speeding at the time of the fatal collision, police said

A motorcyclist "chose speed and exhilaration over safety" when he killed a pedestrian in a crash, police said.

Daniel Rimmer, 22, hit Clive Smees as the 71-year-old was crossing Haigh Road in Aspull, near Wigan, at about 21:30 BST on 18 May 2022.

An investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) found Rimmer, who had been travelling at high speed, made "no significant effort to brake" despite seeing Mr Smees ahead of him.

Rimmer, who admitted causing death by dangerous driving, was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court to three years and four months in prison.

Rimmer, of Sandy Lane in Hindley, was also banned from driving for six years and eight months.

GMP said Mr Smees had been in the carriageway for more than six seconds when he was hit by Rimmer.

Det Con Phil Drummond said: "Rimmer knew the area and 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."

Mr Smees' family said he would be "dearly missed by his loving wife, son and daughters and grandchildren".

They said he would forever be remembered for his "kindness and calmness" and, above all, his "fondness to give love and be loved".

They said he was "one of many people who have tragically lost their lives on Greater Manchester roads through the dangerous actions of others".