Terrence King was jailed for life at Minshull Street Crown Court after being found guilty of murdering 15-year-old Devon Simmonds-Caines. As he was led to the cells, a woman from the public gallery shouted, 'You're a coward.'
Devon's family describe their loss
Devon's grandmother Yvonne said she received a call from her daughter on the day of his death and overheard news of a boy being killed in a collision on the radio. 'I remember hearing this noise that sounded like a wounded animal. I realised it was coming from me. I was shaking uncontrollably and screaming. I would describe it as the worst day of my life,' she said.
She described Devon as a 'bright, caring and happy boy' with an ambition to start his own clothing business. 'Devon will never celebrate his successes. He will never get a fashion degree. He will never get married or have children. He was a beautiful, caring soul who loved everyone he knew,' she said.
Parents' statements
Devon's father Thomas said: 'What can I say about my son? He was a very caring type of person, always in good spirits, always the one to make everyone laugh. I am absolutely devastated. I cannot bring myself to go to his grave. I am unable to regulate my emotions. I feel like I am no longer looking after myself. I can't sleep at night.'
Devon's mother Sharlene said: 'Devon was only 15 when he was cruelly taken from us. I was home at the time, I ran outside to see him lying in the front door two doors down. I was stopped from getting close to him by the police and paramedics, which went against everything inside my body.' She added: 'No sentence is long enough, though a life sentence reflects the fact he has taken a life.'
Details of the killing
King deliberately drove his car into Devon on July 22 last year on Rowrah Crescent in Langley, Middleton. He was driving at almost double the speed limit. Devon, who was riding a stolen e-bike, suffered horrific injuries and died at the scene.
King, of Castlerigg Drive, Middleton, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 16 years and one day. 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 who have had to deal with the trauma following Devon’s passing. This has been an incredibly difficult year for Devon’s family and friends and I hope today's result can bring them some closure.'
