A 13-year-old British foster child has been sentenced to two years in custody after causing the death of his foster mother in a hit-and-run incident.
The incident occurred on April 5, when the boy, then 12, ran over 60-year-old Marcia Grant with her own car. Prosecutor Gary Crothers revealed chilling details of the aftermath, stating, “Is she dead? Looks like I got my first kill.” The boy, who cannot be named due to his age, was arrested an hour later and used expletives while threatening to kill a police woman’s family.
The boy had pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in Sheffield Crown Court, and prosecutors dropped a murder charge. The victim, Marcia Grant, had been a foster mother since 2016 and was highly regarded in the Greenhill area of Sheffield, Northern England.
Grant’s daughter, Gemma Grant, emotionally addressed the court, describing her mother as someone who “wanted to pull the world into a hug” and uplift those facing adversity. Expressing deep sorrow, Gemma Grant added, “We will never forgive him and will carry this trauma with us always.”
The boy, now 13, had planned to visit his family when he stole Marcia Grant’s keys, later claiming he grabbed a kitchen knife for self-defense. As he started the car, Marcia Grant attempted to intervene, standing behind the vehicle to block it. Despite pleas from her husband, Delroy Grant, the boy shifted into reverse, causing fatal injuries.
Prosecutor Mark McKone revealed that the boy apologized as he fled the scene, expressing panic and stating, “I never intended to hit her or cause her any harm. I’m very sorry for what has happened.” Prosecutors argued there was no evidence of intent to harm Marcia Grant.
The boy, who asserted he had been a “gangster” since the age of 9, will be held in a secure youth center due to his age rather than an adult prison. Additionally, he was disqualified from driving for six years.
The family of Marcia Grant expressed disappointment with the legal outcome, releasing a statement on the South Yorkshire Police website. They believed there was “clear premeditation to do serious harm” and voiced their frustration with the justice system.