Speeding driver killed boy, 13, on pelican crossing in front of his family and was chased for a mile by other motorists
A SPEEDING driver mowed down and killed a 13-year-old boy at a pelican crossing – and only stopped after other motorists chased her for more than a mile. Mason O’Grady’s mum desperately tried to save him in the moments after was thrown 85 feet by Mahwise Rani’s Volkswagen Polo. But despite her efforts, the teen […]
A SPEEDING driver mowed down and killed a 13-year-old boy at a pelican crossing – and only stopped after other motorists chased her for more than a mile.
Mason O’Grady’s mum desperately tried to save him in the moments after was thrown 85 feet by Mahwise Rani’s Volkswagen Polo.
But despite her efforts, the teen couldn’t be saved.
Today, a court heard he had been walking with his family during the first Covid lockdown on Easter Sunday 2020 when he was hit by the car in Erdington, Birmingham.
The road has a 40mph limit, but a court has heard Rani – who was making an unnecessary journey to see a pal – had undertaken another car at between 60 and 70mph, Birmingham Mail reports.
As the family began crossing the carriageway on a green light, Mason stopped to tie his shoe. He then hurried to catch up with his mum, stepdad and 11-year-old sister.
Rani swerved to avoid the family – but hit Mason, throwing him onto the windscreen and flinging him onto the road. He suffered a fatal head injuries.
And prosecutor Deborah Gould told a court cops could find no evidence that Rani had braked.
Instead, the defendant made off with two other drivers who had seen the horror unfold in pursuit, it was heard.
It was alleged she only came to a stop when one of the drivers managed to pull in front of her.
Miss Gould said: “Efforts were made by Mason’s mother to save his life.
“He was taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital where he went into cardiac arrest.”
Rani, 28, of Osborne Street, Nottingham, had previously pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. Today, she was jailed for three years and banned from the roads for five-and-a-half years.
In a a statement Hayley O’Grady, Mason’s mother, said “Since that day my life has changed for ever.
“My beautiful boy has been taken away from me.
“I will not have the opportunity to see him grow up as a man.”
His sister said: “He was a warm-hearted person who found good in everyone.
“He had everything going for him in his life. He had excellent grades.”
Judge Paul Farrer QC told Rani: “Had you been driving at a safe speed and stayed in lane one, the collision would not have occurred.
“You drove away and you only stopped because you were pursued and brought to a halt by other motorists. They are to be commended
“This was an unnecessary journey in order to see a friend in the midst of the Covid pandemic.
“Mason was a bright 13-year-old boy who had the whole of his life ahead of him.”
John O’Higgins, mitigating, said: “She was driving home to Nottingham from Birmingham.
“She drove too fast but can not explain why. She should have slowed down.
“She can not explain her failure to stop other than shock or panic.
“She is devastated by what she has done.
“She is much loved by her friends and family for acts of kindness and generosity of spirit.”
After Mason’s death, brother Adam Bryant paid tribute on Facebook.
He wrote: “Anyone who knew Mason would know how kind hearted, smart and loving he was.
“He would have done anything for anybody, he was was truly an amazing person.
“This massive shock has left a huge hole in our family so if anybody could help with the investigation please please don’t hesitate.
“Mason was a huge character he will be truly missed by everyone.
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“See you soon little brother, love you more than you could ever know.”
And in a statement released by cops, his stricken family said: “Mason was a handsome, kind, loving and genuine boy with a heart of gold.
“He would do anything to make you smile and he brought happiness and joy to the life of everyone he met.”