Terrence King, a 60-year-old man, has been convicted of murder for deliberately driving into and killing 15-year-old Devon Simmonds-Caines in Langley, Middleton, on July 22 last year. The incident occurred on Rowrah Crescent, where King ploughed into the teenager at nearly double the speed limit.
Devon, who was riding a stolen e-bike at the time, suffered catastrophic injuries and died at the scene. King claimed he had no intention of harming the boy and was only trying to 'block in' the bike to stop it. However, the court heard that King acted 'in outrage' when he mowed down the teenager.
Retrial leads to murder verdict
King first stood trial in January, but the jury was deadlocked and could not reach a verdict. After the jury was discharged, King pleaded guilty to manslaughter. However, prosecutors sought a retrial, and this time King was found guilty of murder. Loud screams were heard from the public gallery as the verdict was announced, with King sitting in the dock with his head bowed.
Judge Maurice Greene acknowledged the emotion in the courtroom, saying, 'I understand the emotion.'
Background of the case
The fatal collision occurred on Rowrah Crescent in Langley, Middleton. King, of Castlerigg Drive, Middleton, drove his car into Devon at almost double the speed limit. The teenager was riding a stolen e-bike, which King claimed he was trying to block in. However, the prosecution argued that King's actions were deliberate and motivated by outrage.
This is a breaking news story and further details may emerge as the case proceeds.
