Liam Mooney: 2 jailed for killing 16 year-old in hit and run in Perry Barr

Two thugs have been jailed for 20 years for killing a 16-year-old boy who died after being deliberately rammed off a moped during a brutal road rage attack.

Paul Biggs, 26, aggressively used his car "as a weapon" when he ploughed into the bike on which Liam Mooney was a pillion passenger during the hit-and-run last spring.

Biggs and his passenger Dale Sharpen, 31, then tried to cover their tracks by disposing of the car and getting rid of their phones.

What happened before Liam was killed?

Sixteen-year-old Liam and his 18-year-old pal were travelling along Rocky Lane, in Perry Barr, Birmingham when they were mowed down at 7.20pm on March 22 last year.

Police officers responded and performed CPR on Liam before he was rushed to Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Despite the efforts of medics, he was pronounced dead in hospital the following day having sustained a catastrophic head injury.

A court heard Biggs had deliberately pursued the moped in his Volvo following an earlier road rage altercation at a roundabout.

In an attempt to avoid being hit the rider tried to escape by riding onto the kerb to get off the road but was struck from behind by the vehicle.

The bike crashed into a stationary car and stopped on a nearby grass verge as Biggs sped away from the scene leaving his victims behind.

Biggs and Sharpen, 31, panicked and ran off after they tried to dispose of the car and get rid of their phones.

What happened to Liam’s pal who was driving the moped?

The rider of the bike panicked and ran off. He later attended hospital with severe bruising to his pelvis and abdomen.

Detectives launched a murder investigation and trawled hours of CCTV and ANPR cameras to find the silver Volvo S60, which was registered to a false name and address.

Further enquires were carried out to track the cars movements between Essex and London including the moments leading up to the crash.

Following the hit-and-run the pair made their way back to the London area and they were arrested on May 11. The car has never been recovered.

What happened when Biggs and Essex appeared in court?

Biggs, of Brentwood, Essex, and Sharpen, of Woodford Green, north-east London, had previously denied a charge of murder.

They were both due to stand trial at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday (3/1) but admitted a lesser charge of manslaughter.

The pair also both pleaded guilty to assaulting the 18-year-old who had been driving the moped.

Today (Thurs) Biggs was jailed for 11 years and three months and banned from driving for 12-and-a-half years while Sharpen was caged for nine years.

What have West Midlands Police said about the case?

Detective Inspector Ranj Sangha, from West Midlands Police, said: “Liam’s death was tragic and completely uncalled for.

“Being chased by the car must have been terrifying for him and the young rider.

"The level of aggression and rage used was totally disproportionate and their actions have left a young man dead, and his family and friends devastated.

“I hope the fact they have admitted their guilt today and saved Liam’s loved ones the pain and anguish of a trial offers them some comfort – as well as knowing that they will now serve lengthy prison sentences.”

What have Liam’s family said about the conviction?

Liam’s family previously paid tribute to a "caring uncle" who had a "brilliant sense of humour."

They said: "Liam was a bit of a joker and had a brilliant sense of humour.

"He was also so caring at times. He had not long became a uncle and loved his niece so much.

"We are so heartbroken and never thought this would happen to us.

"Liam was not just loved by his mom, dad, sisters and brothers but his nans, grandads, aunties, uncles and cousins. He will be sadly missed by everyone.

"Fly high our beautiful little angel. We love you so much, sleep tight. We will all be together again one day."

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