Terrence King, 60, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for deliberately driving into a 15-year-old boy in an act of unlawful retribution. The incident occurred on Rowrah Crescent in Langley, Middleton, Greater Manchester, on July 22 last year, resulting in the death of Devon Simmonds-Caines.
King intentionally struck Devon, who was riding a stolen e-bike, at nearly twice the speed limit. Devon sustained catastrophic injuries and died at the scene.
Trial and conviction
During the trial, King claimed he only intended to 'block in' the bike and had no intention to cause harm. The initial trial in January ended with a hung jury. After being discharged, King admitted to manslaughter. Following a retrial earlier this month, he was convicted of murder.
On July 23, King received a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years and one day. Judge Maurice Greene stated: "This was an act of unlawful private retribution. The robbery of the bike was wrong, but it did not entitle you to harm anyone. The law does not permit anger, panic or misguided loyalty to be turned into violence."
Details of the incident
Minshull Street Crown Court heard that the e-bike Devon was riding had been 'robbed' earlier that day by Devon and another youth, who physically dragged the owner off it. Footage showed King deliberately chasing Devon, steering towards him, and colliding with him at speed. Prosecutor Michael Hayton KC noted that no brake lights were activated on the Vauxhall, and it did not slow down.
Devon's injuries were unsurvivable, and he was pronounced dead at 12.20pm.
Family impact statements
Devon's grandmother Yvonne described hearing a radio report of a boy killed in a collision while stuck in traffic on the M60. "I remember hearing this noise that sounded like a wounded animal. I realised it was coming from me. I was shaking uncontrollably and screaming," she read. "I would describe it as the worst day of my life."
She described Devon as a 'bright, caring and happy boy' who aspired to start a clothing business selling hats. His father Thomas said: "He had his whole life in front of him. He was a very, very talented, clever boy. My son was taken from me far too soon."
His mother Sharlene revealed she could only hold his hand as he was transferred to a private ambulance. She said his younger siblings repeatedly asked about his whereabouts, and visiting his grave was deeply distressing.
Defence and sentencing
Defence counsel Mukul Chawla KC argued there was no premeditation and that King showed immediate remorse at the scene and in police interviews. He also disclosed that King had been assaulted in custody and is housed in segregation for his safety.
Judge Greene noted the robbery did not justify anger, revenge, or the use of a motor vehicle against a child. He stated King's intention was to cause 'really serious harm'. King, of Castlerigg Drive, Middleton, was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years and one day. As he was escorted from the dock, a family member shouted: "you're a coward."
Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe said: "Terrence King deliberately drove his car into Devon, causing traumatic injuries that sadly resulted in his death, despite the best efforts of attending emergency services. Our thoughts remain with Devon's family... I hope today's result can bring them some closure."
