Terrence King, 60, has been found guilty of murder after deliberately driving into 15-year-old Devon Simmonds-Caines on Rowrah Crescent in Langley, Middleton, on July 22 last year. The teenager, who was riding a stolen e-bike, suffered catastrophic injuries and died at the scene.
Courtroom reaction
Loud screams erupted from the public gallery, filled with Devon's family, after the verdict was announced at Minshull Street Crown Court. Judge Maurice Greene acknowledged the emotion, saying, "I understand the emotion." King sat in the dock with his head bowed. He faces a life sentence, with sentencing to be determined at a later date.
King had previously stood trial in January, but jurors were deadlocked and could not reach a verdict. After the jury was discharged, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter. However, prosecutors sought a retrial, and he was ultimately convicted of murder.
Prosecution case
Prosecutor Michael Hayton KC told the court that Devon's death was "caused by the deliberate actions of the defendant Terence King who, in temper or outrage," made a "conscious and deliberate decision to drive towards Devon and to steer towards him at speed and to collide with him." Video footage from the scene showed no brake lights being activated on King's Vauxhall, and the car did not slow down.
King estimated he was driving at 30 to 40 mph, about twice the speed limit for the road, and admitted he did not brake. He claimed he only intended to "block in" the bike and had no intention to harm Devon. During cross-examination, Mr Hayton alleged that King deliberately drove into Devon to "punish him," which King denied.
Family tribute
In a tribute released after Devon's death, his family described him as "an outgoing, bubbly person who always kept himself motivated." They added, "He loved everyone that loved him and showed respect to everyone that respected him. This has shocked the whole family. It was a tragic incident that should never have happened that we don’t want to tarnish Devon’s legacy."
Background
The court heard that the e-bike Devon was riding had been "robbed" earlier that day by Devon and another youth, who had physically dragged the owner off the bike. King, of Castlerigg Drive, Middleton, had initially said he collapsed like a "sack of potatoes" after seeing Devon following the crash. In a police interview, King said, "I feel like I’m trying to defend the indefensible."
