Driver who killed boy riding stolen e-bike jailed

A man who deliberately rammed his car into a teenage boy riding a stolen bike has been jailed for 16 years for murder.

Terrence King drove into 15-year-old Devon Simmonds-Caines on Rowrah Crescent in Middleton, Greater Manchester on 22 July last year.

The court heard Simmonds-Caines had stolen the £3,000 e-bike from another boy on the Langley Estate before he was pursued by King, who steered his vehicle into him.

King, 60, who was found guilty after a two-week trial, was handed a 17-year sentence at Minshull Street Crown Court earlier.

He had pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denied murder at the outset of the trial.

Senior investigating officer Duncan Thorpe, of Greater Manchester Police, said King "deliberately drove his car into Devon" and caused the injuries that led to his death.

In the trial, CCTV and doorbell camera footage showed Simmonds-Caines riding the e-bike, which the court heard he and a friend had stolen from another boy on the estate.

There was a fracas and punches thrown before Devon rode off on the e-bike, the court heard.

King drove at Devon Simmonds-Caines at about 11:55 BST on 22 July after chasing him following the reported theft.

Prosecutors said it was not an "attempt to recover the bike but to get revenge or punish the boy".

The boy was thrown into the air and died at the scene, GMP said.

In a tribute issued after his death, Simmonds-Caines' family described him as a "bubbly person" who "only wanted the best for everyone around him".

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.