A Bolton man has been sentenced to more than a decade behind bars for a fatal crash that took a young biker’s life in Horwich.
Dangerous Driving Ends in Tragedy
Cormac Sale, 22, from Ina Avenue, Bolton, was jailed for 10 years and eight months at Bolton Crown Court on 26 February 2026. He also received a driving ban for just over 12 years after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
The fatal collision happened at around 9:40pm on 14 December 2024 on Chorley Old Road, Bolton. Sale’s Skoda Fabia crashed into a motorbike ridden by Spencer Rothwell-Poole, 22, from Horwich. Spencer died instantly at the scene.
High on Ketamine, Driving Like a Madman
Police found Sale was almost 10 times over the legal ketamine limit when he was arrested at the scene. Investigations revealed he was driving erratically all evening, weaving across the road and even on the wrong side at the time of the crash. CCTV and witness reports confirmed the dangerous behaviour.
Heartbroken Family’s Plea for Justice
Spencer’s dad: “He was very kind and thoughtful, always with a smile. On that night, I hugged my boy for the last time. I told him I loved him and to stay safe. He never came back — all because of one mindless driver. Cormac Sale didn’t just kill my son. He killed the family. I will never forgive him.”
Spencer’s brother: “It’s a pain every day knowing he won’t reach his full potential. He was my best friend and a careful rider. He did everything by the book. I miss him terribly.”
GMP Cracking Down on Dangerous Driving
Greater Manchester Police continue to target reckless drivers through ongoing operations. Last year, over 70 arrests were made for causing serious injury or death by dangerous driving.
During December 2025’s Operation Limit, more than 400 people were arrested for drink and drug driving offences.
The new Operation Snap encourages public submissions of dashcam footage to help catch dangerous motorists.
Detective Constable James Maskrey: “This sentence highlights the deadly consequences of reckless driving under the influence. Ketamine leaves drivers with no control or judgement — just one moment of dissociation can be fatal. We remain committed to rooting out dangerous drivers to keep our roads safe.”
