The family of an eight-year-old boy who was callously mowed down while playing in the street by two speeding drivers have spoken of their heartache following his killer's sentencing.
Saffiullah Latif Asif, from Ashton-under-Lyne, suffered catastrophic injuries after he was struck by Kevin Jones in his BMW in July 2020. He had been crossing the road playing a game of tig with his brother and cousin before becoming victim to Jones and his friend Thomas McGrath's dangerous driving. The youngster was rushed to hospital, but sadly later died.
His heartbroken family say they are 'grieving' but thanked the community for their support, saying they are 'pleased to have finally got some justice'.
READ MORE: The faces of callous racing pals who ploughed into and killed little boy as he played in the street
“Myself, my wife and our whole family are very grateful to the police and the Prosecution Service, who have worked hard to get this case to court, and for all the support we have received from our Family Liaison Officer," Saffiullah's father said after the sentencing.
“I want to thank the witnesses who came forward and the community for being a great support. I am content with the sentencing today. We have lost Saffiullah and he will never come back but I am pleased that we have finally got some justice.
“Please can we ask that our privacy is respected so we can grieve for the loss of our son.”
The court heard how McGrath flew down Ryecroft Street at speeds of up 45mph in a 20mph zone, with Jones behind him travelling at speeds of up to 50mph. The pair were caught on CCTV having lined their cars up, just moments before the tragedy occurred just before 8.15pm on July 23, 2020.
McGrath, of Gorton Road, Stockport, missed Safiulla ‘by chance’ before Jones, of Gorseyville Crescent on the Wirral, hit him - sending him ‘flying through the air' whilst they were driving competitively, Bolton Crown Court heard.
Jones, 36, and McGrath, 24, were each jailed for four years eight months for causing death by dangerous driving. Appearing before Bolton Crown Court today, Thursday 23 February 2023, they were both told they will also be disqualified from driving for five years upon their release from prison.
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