Jailed: Hit and run driver killed 13-year-old boy out on family walk
A speeding driver who caused the death of a teenager in Birmingham has been jailed.
Mahwise Rani carried on driving for around a mile, despite her windscreen being damaged, after hitting 13-year-old Mason O’Grady in April last year.
The 29-year-old was travelling at around 55mph, in a 40mph zone, when her VW Polo struck Mason who was crossing Chester Road, in Erdington, at around 6.50pm.
Witnesses said Rani made no attempt to brake and only came to a stop after being followed by members of the public, with the drivers of two separate cars boxing her in and alerting officers, who arrested her on Eachelhurst Road.
Mason, who was described as having a ’heart of gold’ by his family, was rushed to hospital with serious injuries, but died shortly after his arrival.
Rani, of Osborne Street, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was jailed for three years at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday.
She was also disqualified from driving for five-and-a-half years.
Mason’s mother Hayley said: "As a family, we want to thank the amazing work of all the emergency services, and the people who came to help on the evening of the accident, for their huge effort to try and save Mason’s life.
"Also, we would like to thank West Midlands Police and our family liaison officer for their continued support in what has been the hardest year of our lives.
"Losing Mason has left a massive hole in our family. He was a kind, beautiful soul loved by all; his mom, dad, sisters, brothers, nan, grandad, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
"We are all feeling the loss and can’t believe a year since this horrible day is almost upon us.
"Sleep tight my angel boy until I can be with you again, love you so much always."
Sergeant Alan Hands, from the serious collision investigation unit, said: "We all felt the pain caused by the tragic death of Mason.
"This was a young boy with his life ahead of him, only for it to be cruely taken away during what was supposed to be a nice, evening walk with family.
"Rani was speeding when she struck Mason as he crossed the road and then did nothing to help him.
"She just carried on driving, despite the impact of the collision causing significant damage to her windscreen.
"It was due to the fantastic response of passing motorists who followed her VW Polo, and forced her to stop, that we were able to promptly detain her.
"Their rapid actions not only showed incredible community spirit, but helped us ensure Rani has now been put behind bars."
