Terrence King, 60, has been jailed for life for murdering 15-year-old Devon Simmonds-Caines by deliberately driving into him at almost double the speed limit. The incident occurred on Rowrah Crescent in Langley, Middleton on July 22 last year.
Deliberate act of retribution
At Minshull Street Crown Court, Judge Maurice Greene described the killing as 'an act of unlawful private retribution'. He said: '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.'
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 it. In footage played to the jury, King was seen to 'deliberately' pursue Devon and steer towards him, colliding 'at speed'. Prosecutor Michael Hayton KC said no brake lights were activated and the car 'does not slow down at all'.
Guilty verdict after retrial
King initially stood trial in January, but jurors were deadlocked. After the jury was discharged, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Following a retrial earlier this month, he was found guilty of murder. On July 23, he was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 16 years and one day.
Devon suffered catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:20pm. His grandmother Yvonne described hearing on the radio that a boy had been killed while stuck in traffic, and later letting out 'a noise that sounded like a wounded animal'. She said: 'I would describe it as the worst day of my life.'
Family tributes
Devon's 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 said she could only hold his hand as he was taken to a private ambulance, and that his younger siblings constantly asked where he was.
Defending, Mukul Chawla KC said there was a lack of premeditation and that King showed 'clear and unequivocal' remorse at the scene and during police interviews. He added that King has since been attacked in prison and remains in the segregation unit for his own protection.
As King was led from the dock, a member of Devon's family shouted: 'you're a coward'.
