Sign up for our breaking news emails and receive free real-time alerts delivered directly to your inbox.
Register for our complimentary email alerts for breaking news.
The loved ones of a highly respected member of the community, who tragically lost her life when a boy in her care accidentally struck her with her own vehicle, are expressing disappointment and betrayal over the dismissal of the murder charge against the accused.
On April 5th, Grandmother Marcia Grant sustained severe injuries while attempting to prevent a young person from stealing her car outside of her residence in the Greenhill neighborhood of Sheffield.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the woman’s 60-year-old spouse, Delroy, made frantic efforts to prevent the inexperienced boy from driving and running over the beloved foster parent before backing up and running over her again.
When he was taken into custody, he directed obscene language towards a female police officer, threatening harm to her family and showing no concern for his actions.
The young male inquired of the authorities, “Is she deceased?” and then stated, “It was unintentional, I promise,” five minutes afterwards. During a prior court session, it was disclosed that the boy had also uttered to law enforcement, “Does it seem like I’ve taken a life?”
The 13-year-old boy, whose name cannot be disclosed because of his age, was given a two-year prison sentence on Wednesday by Sheffield Crown Court. This was after he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at a prior court appearance.
However, he was initially accused of killing Mrs. Grant and, following his conviction, her relatives expressed disapproval of the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) choice not to pursue that accusation.
They expressed that the past eight months have been extremely difficult, and their pain has only increased due to the decreased charges against the defendant who is responsible for their mother’s death.
We are extremely disappointed with the Crown Prosecution Service’s unwillingness to give our mother’s story a chance to be heard and receive fair justice.
We have a strong conviction that the available evidence demonstrates a complete lack of concern for human life and a deliberate intention to cause serious harm.
The family also believes that Rotherham Council, who placed the boy under Mrs Grant’s care, made decisions that were crucial in the events that resulted in our mother’s death.
We are deeply saddened that our mother will not receive the rightful justice she deserves.
The Grant family.
The relatives of Marcia Grant.
According to their statement, their mother was fatally struck by a person wearing a balaclava and carrying a stolen knife while attempting to steal her car in her own driveway. The perpetrator ran her over twice before fleeing the scene.
During her time as a foster carer and civilian, our mother provided care for numerous vulnerable and troubled children. We have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of her love, kindness, and generosity on these young individuals.
“Despite everything, this entire situation has left us with numerous lingering questions and we are devastated that our mother will not receive the fairness she is entitled to.”
On Wednesday, the court was informed that on April 5, the young boy took Mrs. Grant’s car keys and a kitchen knife with the intention of returning to his mother.
According to Prosecutor Mark McKone KC, Mrs. Grant was struck by the reversing car after walking behind it.
Mr. Grant made a frantic attempt to halt the car, ultimately shattering the driver’s window as he begged the boy to stop. The boy quickly ran away, apologizing repeatedly. According to Mr. McKone.
According to a judge, Mrs. Grant had been a foster parent since 2016 and the accused had been residing with her for a few days when she passed away.
The court was informed that the boy had a very difficult upbringing.
Mr McKone said he “claimed to have been a gangster since aged nine” and had a number of disagreements with Mrs Grant’s husband, including one about him watching “inappropriate television”.
During a statement given to the police, the accused stated: “I had a positive relationship with Marcia and Delroy, but I constantly longed to be with my family.”
After leaving Marcia’s house, I realized I needed to be with my mother, so I returned.
He stated that he retrieved the knife from Mrs. Grant’s kitchen “for self-defense purposes.”
The boy expressed that he was in a state of distress and was unaware of Marcia’s presence behind the car. He had no intention of hitting her or causing her harm and deeply regrets what occurred.
We will never forget what he has done and this experience will always stay with us.
Gemma Grant, the daughter of Marcia Grant, shared a victim impact statement.
Mrs. Grant’s daughter, Gemma Grant, wiped away her tears while expressing that her mother’s wish was to embrace the world, offer support, and uplift the spirits of those facing challenges.
While delivering her victim impact statement in court, Ms. Grant expressed shock at the fact that the boy who killed her received a warm embrace, reassurance, and her characteristic warmth.
“We will never forget what he did and will always carry the pain and suffering it caused us.”
Shaun Grant, the son of Mrs. Grant, stated that she was “murdered by an individual she had welcomed into her home on two separate occasions.”
He stated to the court, “I have had my closest companion taken from me without the opportunity to bid farewell, without the opportunity to express how incredible she was as a mother, wife, and foster parent.”
Throughout the hearing, the defendant remained calm as they sat in a dock with a glass front. They were dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and black tie.
The accused individual was also prohibited from operating a vehicle for a duration of six years and will need to pass an extended driving exam after the disqualification period.
After the verdict was announced, Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Bowell of the South Yorkshire Police stated that Marcia was not only a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, but also a cornerstone of her community.
The strategic director of children’s services at Rotherham Council, Nicola Curley, announced that an impartial review will be conducted regarding the case. The family of Mrs. Grant will also have the chance to provide their input.
Ms. Curley described Marcia as a prominent and esteemed member of our fostering community who was greatly cherished and respected as one of our foster carers.
“She dedicated herself to giving unconditional love and support to vulnerable children who were in great need, and her absence is deeply felt by those who were fortunate enough to know her.”
Cannot reword.
