'He had made a new start'

TRAGIC END FOR EX-ARMED ROBBER WHO HAD TURNED HIS LIFE AROUND

- NEAL KEELING

A ONCE notorious armed robber who had turned his life away from crime has been killed in a motorbike crash.

Pavè 'Paul' Corkovic, 60, died after his machine apparently hit a central reservation on a dual carriageway in Salford. Mr Corkovic was the head of a prolific gang who attacked security guards delivering and collecting cash at banks and supermarkets in the mid1990s. During an era when armed robbery was seen by some cynics as Salford's greatest export he was at the top of his game.

But in recent years he had escaped his criminal existence after spending a huge part of his life behind bars. He had a job, had remained out of trouble, and had become a father again.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Albion Way, Pendleton, Salford, between Liverpool Road and Salford Crescent at around 6.10pm on Saturday.

Officers said the crash involved a Green Kawasaki motorcycle that had been travelling in tandem with another motorcycle in the direction of Salford Crescent before apparently colliding with the central reservation.

Mr Corkovic sustained significant injuries and sadly died at the scene. A man, aged 38, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been released on bail.