Heartbroken mother pays tribute to her ‘angel boy’ after son, 13, was killed in hit-and-run as speeding driver is jailed
A HEARTBROKEN mum has today paid tribute to her “angel boy” who was killed in a hit-and-run crash.
Mahwise Rani, 29, was caged for three years for mowing down Mason O’Grady, 13, in her VW Polo at a pelican crossing in Erdington, Birmingham.
The speeding driver was only stopped after other motorists chased her for more than a mile after the horror crash on Easter Sunday last year.
Mason was catapulted 85ft through the air and later was pronounced dead at Birmingham's Children's Hospital after suffering catastrophic injuries.
Rani, 28, of Nottingham, had previously pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. Yesterday, she was jailed for three years and banned from the roads for five-and-a-half years.
After the case, Mason's family paid tribute to the tragic teenager and described him as having a "heart of gold.”
Sleep tight my angel boy until I can be with you again, love you so much always
Hayley
His mum Hayley said it had been the "hardest year of our lives" as she thanked those who had rushed to try to save Mason's life.
She said: "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."
Yesterday, a court heard Mason had been walking with his family during the first national lockdown when he was hit by the car at a pelican crossing on Chester Road at around 6.50pm.
The road has a 40mph limit, but a court heard Rani - who was making an unnecessary journey to see a pal - had undertaken another car at between 60 and 70mph, reports.
As the family began crossing the carriageway on a green light, Mason stopped to tie his shoe. He then hurried to catch up with his mum, stepdad and 11-year-old sister.
Rani swerved to avoid the family - but hit Mason, throwing him onto the windscreen and flinging him onto the road. He suffered a fatal head injury.
FAMILY'S AGONY
The court heard Rani made no attempt to brake and carried on driving for around a mile despite her windscreen being damaged.
Rani eventually gave herself up after being boxed in by the other drivers who alerted officers and she was arrested on Eachelhurst Road.
After Mason's death, brother Adam Bryant paid tribute on Facebook.
He wrote: "Anyone who knew Mason would know how kind hearted, smart and loving he was.
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"He would have done anything for anybody, he was was truly an amazing person."
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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."
