A Salford man who took part in a violent machete attack and a series of break-ins targeting motorbikes has been jailed for 10 years.
Kade Cox, of Walker Road, Salford, pleaded guilty prior to trial to robbery, burglary with intent to steal and two counts of burglary where bikes were stolen. Due to the severity of the attack, he must serve at least seven and a half years in custody before he can be released.
The 20-year-old criminal was identified following an investigation into four linked incidents across Leigh and Tyldesley between April and July 2025.
Officers and staff used extensive CCTV and phone enquiries including social media scanning and mobile phone evidence to trace the targeted thefts back to the Salford offender.
The most serious incident happened on 17 April 2025, when a victim riding a Surron electric bike in Leigh was chased by three offenders on bikes. The group forced the rider into a wall on Melrose Avenue before launching an attack.
During the assault, one offender produced a machete and struck at the victim repeatedly. Despite trying to hold onto his bike, the victim suffered serious injuries, including a severe laceration to his thumb and cuts to his face, before the offenders stole the vehicle and fled.
Investigating officers soon linked the Salford offender to three further offences in the area.
On 4 June 2025, three offenders targeted a shed in Leigh and stole two motorbikes worth thousands of pounds. On 19 July 2025, offenders broke into a garage in Tyldesley and stole three bikes including a Honda motorbike and an electric bike.
Less than a week later, on 25 July 2025, three offenders forced entry to a garage in Leigh but left empty-handed when they realised there were no motorbikes inside.
CCTV gathered from each scene showed the same distinctive offender present throughout, enabling investigators to identify Cox and link him to all four offences.
Speaking after the sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer PC Richard Kelsall of Wigan’s Neighbourhood team praised the courage of the victim who bravely supported the investigation throughout sentencing.
Senior Investigating Officer PC Richard Kelsall of 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.”
He added that police hope the sentence demonstrates their determination to pursue offenders who target communities and commit violent offences for their own personal gain.
