Marcus Simmons-Allen: the ‘truly fab son’ killed by a speeding driver in hit and run in Greater Manchester

A mum has bravely spoken of her loss of her ‘truly fab’ son who was killed by speeding driver in a stolen car.

Marcus Simmons-Allen, 18, from Broadheath, was knocked down as he crossed the road with a pal on George Richards Way in Altrincham in October last year.

His friend called 999 and alerted Marcus’ mum Paula Allen, who found her badly injured son at the scene, but he sadly died in hospital.

Connor Matthews, 23, Portland Road, Stretford, was speeding at 65mph in a 30mph zone, while driving a Volkswagen Scirocco on cloned number plates, when he struck the popular teenager.

Heartless Matthews left the scene but police later found the vehicle, along with Matthews’ glasses in the footwell.

Today mum of three Paula courageously spoke out about her beloved son and the impact his loss of the family in a video interview.

‘Our loss is immeasurable’

Paul said: “Marcus was a truly fab son. He was loving, caring, polite, and would help anybody.

“He was a popular lad who left a mark with everybody who had the pleasure of meeting him. He had a great group of friends, who he shared plenty of laughs and fun.

“Marcus had a lifetime of dreams and ambitions ahead of him. He truly wanted to do something productive with his life and complete an engineering degree and follow a career in engineering. His fab sense of humour was as infectious as his smile.

“We now as a family, extended family are destroyed. Our lives are in tatters. The devastation and loss of Marcus is immeasurable and it’s affected friends, their families and community.

“We would like to thank all emergency services who responded to the incident on George Richards Way, then staff in trauma and ICU at Salford Royal - you gave us the time to say goodbye to our precious son.”

What happened at court?

Police tracked down Matthews five days after the collision when they found he’d used his work phone to contact Specsavers for new glasses.

Matthews admitted causing death by dangerous driving, causing death whilst uninsured, and causing death whilst unlicensed, when he was brought to court.

He has been sentenced to six years and eight months, as well as being banned from driving for eight years.

Sergeant Philip Shaw, from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said the case was a terrible reminder of the consequences of driving dangerously.

He said: “Marcus had his whole life ahead of him at the young age of 18. He was simply crossing the road with a friend when Matthews was driving at over double the speed limit. Speed limits are there for a reason - they are there to keep people safe and save lives.

“He failed to stop at the scene and left the stolen vehicle abandoned - showing a complete disregard for his actions and Marcus’ life.

“Marcus’ family were and understandably still are, absolutely devastated due to the choices made by Matthews that night. There’s no excuse to drive at excessive speed and I would stress to all drivers to think carefully before speeding. This collision has devastated more than one life.”