A 15-year-old boy who ran a red light on an e-scooter, killing his friend in a horror crash, has avoided jail. Jacob Calland, 14, died after sustaining a catastrophic brain injury when the scooter, ridden by the teenager, collided with a car on Southmoor Road in Wythenshawe on March 19, 2025.
Manchester Crown Court heard on June 3 that the driver, who cannot be named due to his age, was riding at high speed and passed through a red light before turning onto the dual carriageway. The scooter collided with a black BMW, whose driver had less than a quarter of a second to react. Both boys were thrown into the air and struck another car. Jacob was airlifted to Manchester Children's Hospital but died eight days later with his family at his side.
Mother's Heartbreaking Tribute
In a victim impact statement, Jacob's mother Carly wept while holding a teddy bear containing her son's ashes. She said her heart had been 'smashed into a thousand pieces'. She recalled being told by doctors that nothing more could be done: 'My entire world stopped. I could not stop his pain or make anything better. Nurses helped me to take a lock of his hair and I fell asleep holding him. When it was time to turn the machine off, I told him I loved him. A part of me is lost forever.'
Carly added that Jacob's younger brother cannot understand why he is not coming home. 'Sometimes I forget that he is gone. The house is so quiet without him, his toothbrush is still in the bathroom. When reality hits I cannot breathe or function. I knew e-scooters were dangerous and not suitable for children and I remember warning Jacob about them. I never thought he would lose his life riding on the back of one.'
CCTV Shows Reckless Riding
CCTV footage showed the pair travelling on a footpath from Churchstoke Walk onto Timpson Road, where they overtook a vehicle on the driver's side and continued towards the junction with Southmoor Road. They overtook a van waiting at the lights, which were clearly red. Judge Goddard noted that the van driver described the scooter 'whipping' up past him at great speed, making no attempt to stop.
The driver later told police he knew red lights meant stop but 'could not remember' what colour it was, claiming 'everyone else just goes past red lights' so he thought he 'didn't have to stop'. The scooter entered Southmoor Road, where traffic was flowing freely under a green light. It swerved to avoid one vehicle before hitting the BMW. Both drivers were said to have been 'extremely distressed' at the scene.
Illegal E-Scooter and Turbo Mode
The scooter, which the driver had owned for just two weeks, was purchased by his mother using his savings. Prosecutors noted: 'These remain illegal to use on public roads without a license and this is a gift that should never have been given.' The scooter had three speed settings: 9, 15, and 28 mph, the latter called 'Turbo mode', which was active at the time of the crash.
The driver had no previous convictions but grew up in a 'troubled, traumatic, very unstable' household affected by drugs and alcohol. He was under a social services protection order at the time of the collision. He has since moved in with his father, who has 'helped turn his life around'. The boy pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and is studying for his GCSEs.
Judge's Sentencing Remarks
Defence barrister James Hudson said the boy demonstrated a 'lack of awareness' but had not made a 'deliberate decision'. 'The consequences of his actions weigh heavily on him and he is deeply remorseful,' he said. Judge Suzanne Goddard handed the boy an 18-month youth referral order and a five-year driving disqualification. Jacob's mother shook her head and wept in the jury box.
The judge explained: 'Children are to be treated very differently to adults. The focus should be on rehabilitation and custody should be the last resort. You were seeking the thrill of riding at speed, not thinking of the danger. But there are things that make you less responsible. You rarely attended school and have not received appropriate parenting. You had no training on how to ride a scooter and your upbringing was characterised by neglect.'
She added: 'This is a very serious offence, but not so serious that it requires immediate custody, which is likely to damage the progress you have made and increase your risk of further offending, as opposed to a secure supportive family environment and progressing at school. Any custodial sentence will cause harm to you and put you at risk of serious mental health issues. I accept you are deeply sorry for causing Jacob's death and the devastation to his family will stay with you for life.'
