Boy sentenced over e-scooter crash that killed Wythenshawe teenager
Jacob Calland was a passenger on the scooter when he lost his life
A 15-year-old boy has received a youth referral order and a driving ban, after admitting causing the death of a 14-year-old passenger on his e-scooter.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced at Manchester Youth Court for causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving unlicensed, and causing death by driving uninsured.
He received an 18-month youth referral order and a five-year driving ban.
What happened
On Wednesday 19th 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 that was travelling through green lights on Southmoor Road.
Both boys became dismounted, with Jacob receiving serious injuries.
He died eight days later at Manchester Children's Hospital.
Mother's tribute
In a statement to 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.
Police response
Detective Constable Steve Pennington, from Greater Manchester Police's 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."