Killer driver who mowed down 15-year-old in 40mph 'unlawful act of retribution' as he rode stolen e-bike is jailed for life

By JOSHUA HAINING, NEWS REPORTER Published: 17:04, 24 July 2026 | Updated: 17:06, 24 July 2026 A killer driver who mowed down a 15-year-old boy riding a stolen e-bike at nearly twice the speed limit in an 'unlawful act of retribution', has been jailed for life. Terrence King, 60, ploughed into Devon Simmonds-Caines who suffered catastrophic injuries and died at the scene of the crash in Middleton, Manchester, on July 22, last year. King claimed that he only wanted to 'block in' the bike and that he did not intend to hurt Devon, Minshull Street Crown Court heard. The killer driver first stood trial in January but jurors could not reach a verdict and in the aftermath of the jury being discharged, King pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Following a retrial earlier this month, King was found guilty of murder and on July 23, he was jailed for life where he will serve a minimum of 16 years and one day. The judge said: 'This was an act of unlawful private retribution. 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 previously heard that the e-bike which Devon was riding was 'robbed' earlier in the day with the help of another youth, after the owner was 'physically dragged' off it. Terrence King, 60, ploughed into a 15-year-old boy in his black Vauxhall at nearly twice the speed limit Devon Simmonds-Caines was mowed down by King who was jailed for a minimum term of 16 years and one day Crime scene investigators wearing white coveralls as police tape cordons off the street in Manchester Video footage played in court, shows Devon riding the e-bike down the street before turning around on to the pavement. King was then captured 'deliberately' pursuing Devon in his black Vauxhall down the street 'at speed' before veering and smashing into him. Prosecuting, Michael Hayton KC said the footage showed that the vehicle's brakes were not activated during the pursuit. Devon’s death was ‘caused by the deliberate actions of the defendant Terrence King who, in temper or outrage’, made a ‘conscious and deliberate decision to drive towards Devon and to steer towards him at speed and to collide with him’, he said. Devon suffered 'unsurvivable' injuries in the collision and he was pronounced dead at 12.20pm. Reading her emotional victim impact statement, Devon's grandmother, Yvonne said that on the day of the crash her daughter called and asked her to come to Middleton. While stuck in traffic on the M60 she overheard the radio announce that a boy had been killed in a traffic collision, she said. 'I remember hearing this noise that sounded like a wounded animal. I realised it was coming from me. I was shaking uncontrollably and screaming,' she continued. Video footage played in court, shows Devon riding the e-bike down the street before turning around on to the pavement King was then captured 'deliberately' pursuing Devon in his black Vauxhall down the street 'at speed' King then veered and smashed into the 15-year-old boy, who suffered ''unsurvivable' injuries in the collision 'I would describe it as the worst day of my life.' Yvonne described her grandson as a 'bright, caring and happy boy' who had ambitions to start his own hat business. A number of hats were produced at Devon's funeral for those in attendance to 'continue his legacy'. Devon's father 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 was unable to accompany her son while emergency services responded and could only hold his hand as he was moved to a private ambulance. She said Devon's younger siblings constantly asked where their brother was and that she found it extremely difficult to visit his grave as it 'made everything feel very real'. 'Devon had been having a troubled time during his short life, but he had turned a corner.  'He was attempting to make changes for his future, but his future has now been taken from him,' she added. Defending King, Mukul Chawla KC said there was a lack of premeditation involved in the crash. 'In terms of the intention of the defendant, there is not a huge amount I can say about that. That is a matter to be determined by the court,' he said. 'However, the court can be assisted by the defendant’s immediate remorse - and we do suggest there was.  'We suggest that the court can be satisfied that on the evidence, there was no intention to kill.' Devon's grandmother, Yvonne, described her grandson as a 'bright, caring and happy boy' Tributes to Devon which include pictures, cards and balloons on a street in Middleton Graffiti was sprayed on to the street at tribute which said 'RIP Devon' accompanied by two love hearts Mr Chawla said that King showed 'clear and unequivocal' remorse at the scene and during police interviews. He did not seek to blame anyone else.  He added that King has been attacked in prison and is now in the segregation unit for his own safety. Sentencing, Judge Maurice Greene said: 'The events began with a robbery of an e-bike. Devon and another youth robbed the e-bike and Devon rode it away. 'The robbery was wrong and nothing I have to say should be understood as excusing it.  'But the robbery of an e-bike did not justify what resulted. It did not justify anger, revenge or punishment, or the use of a motor vehicle against a child.' Judge Greene said that King's intention was to cause 'really serious harm' and that it was 'not a momentary brush with danger'. As King, from Middleton, was led from the dock after he was sentenced, a member of Devon's family shouted: 'you're a coward'. Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe said King 'deliberately drove his car into Devon, causing traumatic injuries that sadly resulted in his death', after the case concluded. 'Our thoughts remain with Devon’s family who have had to deal with the trauma following Devon’s passing,' he said. 'This has been an incredibly difficult year for Devon’s family and friends and I hope today’s result can bring them some closure.'