Cries of ‘coward’ as family faces teenager’s murderer in court

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Following retrial earlier this month, King, of Castlerigg Drive, Middleton, was found guilty of murder.

As he was jailed for life, the court heard from members of Devon’s family about the impact of losing him and how he was planning to create a life for himself despite his ‘troubles’.

First to read from her emotional victim statement was Devon’s grandmother Yvonne. She said on the day of his death she received a call from her daughter asking her to go to Middleton. While stuck in traffic on the M60 she overheard the news of a boy being killed in a collision on the radio.

“I remember hearing this noise that sounded like a wounded animal,” she said. “I realised it was coming from me. I was shaking uncontrollably and screaming. I would describe it as the worst day of my life.”

Yvonne described her grandson as a ‘bright, caring and happy boy’ with an ambition to start his own clothing business selling hats. At his funeral, the family managed to produce a number of hats for those attending to ‘continue his legacy’.

“Devon will never celebrate his successes. He will never get a fashion degree,” Yvonne said as she wept. “He will never get married or have children. He was a beautiful, caring soul who loved everyone he knew.

“He was an amazing son to his mum and dad and a caring and loving brother to his siblings. He had a bright future whilst was needlessly smashed away by a senseless act of violence.”

A statement penned by Devon’s Thomas read: “What can I say about my son? He was a very caring type of person, always in good spirits, always the one to make everyone laugh.

“I am absolutely devastated. I cannot bring myself to go to his grave. I am unable to regulate my emotions. I feel like I am no longer looking after myself. I can’t sleep at night.

“Devon was 15, he had his whole life in front of him. He was very, very talented, clever boy. My son was taken from me far too soon.”

Devon’s mum Sharlene, said: “Devon was only 15 when he was cruelly taken from us. I was home at the time, I ran outside to see him lying in the front door two doors down. I was stopped from getting close to him by the police and paramedics, which went against everything inside my body.

“I just wanted to hold him. Later that day I was told Devon died, and I was allowed to hold his hand as they took him to the private ambulance.

“Devon was outgoing, fun personality, a loving son and brother. Devon has two brothers and two sisters, I don’t know how to tell them what happened. I told them he is in heaven. I find going to visit his grave makes 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 said. “I have constant flashbacks, I struggle to sleep, I have nightmares of Devon lying there.

“No sentence is long enough, though a life sentence reflects the fact he has taken a life.”

Devon’s aunt Leanne said: “He was part of our home. He looked out for people. He stood up for the under dog and made sure everyone was okay. his life was violently and senselessly taken from him.”

Speaking of a day they went for a walk, she said he wasn’t in school at the time, adding: “I knew how badly he wanted to get back. I asked him what his plan was. He stated his plan was to finish school, get his GCSEs, got to design school and get his own business called ‘567’ as it represented his and his brother’s birthday.

“I remember sitting there feeling so proud. He had ambition and purpose, he knew what he needed to do to build a business. I believed he would. He never got the chance to be who he wanted to be.

“His life was taken instantly without any regard for the devastation left behind.”

She said she has since been diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety and depression. She also said the family had been met with ‘disgusting’ messages and ‘prejudicial slurs’ online about Devon.

“Devon’s death changed me forever. he was loving, funny and full of promise. I will miss Devon for the rest of my life.”

King, of Castlerigg Drive, Middleton, was jailed for life to serve a minimum term of 16 years and one day.

Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe said: “Terrence King deliberately drove his car into Devon, causing traumatic injuries that sadly resulted in his death, despite the best efforts of attending emergency services.

“Our thoughts remain with Devon’s family who have had to deal with the trauma following Devon’s passing. This has been an incredibly difficult year for Devon’s family and friends and I hope today’s result can bring them some closure.”