A 15-year-old boy has received a youth referral order and a driving ban, after earlier pleading guilty to causing the death of a 14-year-old passenger on his e-scooter when it collided with a car.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced today (30 June) at Manchester Youth Court for causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving unlicensed, and causing death by driving uninsured.
He received a 18-month youth referral order and a five-year driving ban.
On Wednesday 19 March 2025, the teenager, then 14, was riding an electric scooter along Timpson Road in the direction of Southmoor Road, with Jacob Calland, also 14, as pillion passenger.
He rode through a red light at the junction, colliding with a BMW which was travelling through green lights on Southmoor Road. Both boys became dismounted, with Jacob receiving serious injuries.
He sadly died eight days later at Manchester Children’s Hospital.
The boy was later arrested, charged, and plead guilty to his offences.
In a powerful statement for the court, Jacob’s mother, Carly Calland, said: “No words will ever be able to describe the pain caused by Jacob’s death. My heart has been smashed into a thousand pieces and there is nothing that can be done to fix it. My life is a living nightmare.
“I climbed into the hospital bed to cuddle him and I fell asleep holding him. When I woke up, it was time to turn off the machines. I told Jacob I loved him just before he passed away. My baby boy was gone forever.
“He won’t sit his GCSEs, he won’t have his sweet sixteen birthday party, he won’t go to his school prom. He won’t be able to follow his dreams. He won’t get married and won’t have children. His life ended the moment that collision happened.”
Following Jacob’s death, Carly launched ‘Jacob’s Journey’ – a campaign aimed at raising awareness about e-scooter use, their dangers, and the legalities surrounding them.
You can read more about the campaign here: Jacob’s Journey – Life over Death
Detective Constable Steve Pennington from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “The last year has had a devastating effect on Jacob’s family and friends, and I know how difficult it has been for them. Our thoughts remain with them at this time.
“This was a tragic incident and one that could have been avoidable. The ongoing efforts of Jacob’s mother, Carly, have been truly commendable and to see her utilising her emotions and grief to power and promote a worthy cause has been inspiring to see.
“E-scooters are not harmless toys and they can lead to horrific consequences when used by inexperienced riders and without the due care required. I would urge parents to check what their children are using and to ensure they are educated about the risks of using them on the road.”