Advertisement

Speeding hit-and-run driver who killed boy, 13, caught after motorists chased her

Mahwise Rani, 29, mowed down 13-year-old Mason O’Grady in her VW Polo. (SWNS)
Mahwise Rani (L), 29, mowed down 13-year-old Mason O’Grady in her VW Polo. (SWNS)

A speeding driver who hit and killed a 13-year-old boy and was caught by two motorists after trying to flee has been jailed.

Mahwise Rani, 29, mowed down teenager Mason O’Grady in her VW Polo at a pelican crossing in Erdington, Birmingham, on Easter Sunday last year.

The teenager was catapulted 85ft (25m) through the air and was pronounced dead at Birmingham's Children's Hospital after suffering catastrophic injuries.

A court heard Rani was travelling at around 55mph in a 40mph zone when she struck Mason, who was crossing Chester Road with his family, at around 6.50pm.

Read more: Parks forced to close by 'appalling' piles of rubbish left by crowds in post-lockdown scramble

BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 14:  A general view of Birmingham Children's Hospital on July 14, 2009 in Birmingham, England.  (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Mason O'Grady was pronounced dead at Birmingham's Children's Hospital. (Getty)

She did not attempt to brake and carried on driving for around a mile despite her windscreen being damaged by the collision, while two motorists gave chase.

Rani, of Nottingham, eventually gave herself up after being boxed in by the other drivers, who alerted officers, and she was arrested on Eachelhurst Road.

She pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was jailed for three years at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday.

Rani was also disqualified from driving for five-and-a-half years.

After the case, Mason's family paid tribute to the teenager and said he had a "heart of gold".

Read more: COVID warnings as thousands hit beaches and parks as lockdown eased

BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 14:  A general view of Birmingham Children's Hospital on July 14, 2009 in Birmingham, England.  (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Doctors at Birmingham Children's Hospital were unable to save Mason O'Grady. (Getty)

Mason's mum 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 West Midlands Police's serious collision investigation unit, added: "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."

Watch the latest from Yahoo News UK