The devastated family of a schoolboy tragically killed in a hit-and-run have told how a “massive hole” has been left in their lives.
Driver Mahwise Rani has been jailed for ploughing into Mason O'Grady as he took a walk with his family on Easter Sunday last year.
Our sister title Birmingham Live report how Rani was tailed for around a mile by other motorists who witnessed the horror incident which took place in the West Midlands.
The 13-year-old was rushed to hospital but died soon after arriving.
After pleading guilty to causing the death by dangerous driving, Rani was sent to prison for three years yesterday, March 30.
Mason’s devastated family say the teen was “loved by all” in an emotional tribute to him and the emergency services who responded to the incident.
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."
Birmingham Crown Court heard how Rani continued driving following the collision - despite her windscreen being damaged.
She had been travelling at around 55mph - in a 40mph zone - when she struck Mason who was crossing Chester Road at around 6.50pm.
Witnesses said the 29-year-old made no attempt to brake and her VW Polo only came to a stop after being followed by members of the public.
The drivers of two separate cars boxed her in and alerted officers who arrested her in Eachelhurst Road.
Mason - who was described as having a ’heart of gold’ by his family - was rushed to hospital with serious injuries but sadly died shortly after his arrival.
Rani, of Osborne Street, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was jailed for three years. She was also disqualified from driving for five-and-a-half years.
Sergeant Alan Hands, from West Midlands Police's serious collision investigation unit, added: "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."
