The defendant in a highly publicized trial has been found guilty of murder, following a re-trial. Terrence King faces a life sentence and will learn his fate at a later date.
The victim, Devon Simmonds-Caines, was just 15 years old when he was killed. The public gallery was filled with his family, who were visibly shaken by the verdict. Loud screams erupted from the gallery after the verdict was announced.
Devon's family released a heartfelt tribute to him after his death, describing him as an 'outgoing, bubbly person' who was 'motivated' and 'loved everyone who loved him.' They expressed gratitude for the tributes being made to Devon and thanked the local communities for their support.
Prosecutor Michael Hayton KC argued that Devon's death was a result of the defendant's 'deliberate actions', made in 'temper or outrage.' He claimed that King made a 'conscious and deliberate decision to drive towards Devon and to steer towards him at speed and to collide with him.'
According to the prosecution, Devon suffered 'serious injuries which proved unsurvivable' and was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:20 pm that day. The court also heard that footage showed no brake lights being activated on the Vauxhall.
In his defense, King estimated that he was driving at around 30 to 40 mph prior to the crash, which was described as 'twice the speed limit' for the road. He accepted that he didn't brake and claimed that he was trying to 'block the bike in' but didn't intend to cause any harm.
The defendant collapsed after the crash and said he didn't know what had happened. However, he later stated that he saw Devon and became emotional. The jury rejected King's claims of innocence and found him guilty of murder.
Sobia Ahmed, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, stated that King was 'enraged' when he saw Devon on the stolen e-bike and deliberately took matters into his own hands, leading to fatal consequences. She expressed her thoughts and condolences to Devon's parents, who must bear the unimaginable loss of their son.
