A driver who stood trial for murder following allegations of intentionally driving a car at a teenager has been convicted of manslaughter. The jury was instructed to reach a verdict of guilt on the alternative charge after failing to come to a decision on the murder accusation. The accused, Terrence King, aged 59, was charged with deliberately driving onto the pavement and hitting 15-year-old Devon Simmons-Caines last summer in Langley, Middleton.

During the trial at Minshull Street Crown Court, it was revealed that King’s actions were driven by anger when he struck the teenager, who was riding a stolen e-bike. CCTV footage from nearby residences captured the incident. Following the jury’s inability to decide on the murder charge, King’s barrister, Mukul Chawla KC, requested a plea of guilty to the manslaughter charge, which was accepted.

Prosecutors sought a guilty verdict on the alternative charge while considering the possibility of pursuing a retrial for the murder charge. The court will reconvene on February 10 for further proceedings. Prosecutors alleged that King intentionally directed his Vauxhall Insignia towards Devon in a fit of anger, resulting in fatal injuries. Devon was riding an expensive e-bike that he and another individual had stolen earlier that day.

Viewers in the courtroom were emotional as they watched the footage showing the car steering towards Devon without slowing down, leading to the collision. King admitted to driving well above the speed limit before the crash and estimated his speed at 30 to 40 mph. When questioned about his intentions, King stated he was searching for the bike and made a split-second decision to block its path, without braking before the collision.

King denied any intent to harm Devon or damage the bike, attributing his actions to a sudden reaction upon spotting the e-bike. When pressed for an explanation on the collision, King expressed his inability to clarify the events leading up to it. Under cross-examination, King acknowledged his responsibility for Devon’s death but maintained that he did not intend to cause harm. He expressed feelings of shame and guilt and was remanded into custody.