Mother of girl remembers daughter, 3, after tragic death
The mother of a three-year-old Sydney girl who was hit and killed by a car has remembered her daughter’s carefree and playful nature.
The girl was playing in the driveway of a Normandy Street home in Auburn on Tuesday when it’s alleged she was struck by a four-wheel drive.
The mother said her daughter loved to play. 9News
The girl was treated at the scene by paramedics, but despite being rushed to hospital, she later died.
Her mother, who had been hanging out washing close to where her daughter was playing, paid tribute to the girl.
“The way she used to laugh, walk,” the mother said when asked what her favourite thing was about her daughter.
“[She loved to] play, like every other kid.”
‘Sorry’ driver apologises after fronting court
Sandip Adhikari, 27, appeared in court on Wednesday for the first time since being charged with negligent driving occasioning death.
CCTV footage of the incident, seen by AAP, shows the girl sitting in her driveway and playing on what was a sunny afternoon.
In the footage, an SUV turns into the driveway, strikes the preschooler and continues for a moment before stopping.
Sandip Adhikari looks on as lawyer Danny Eid speaks to media at Burwood Local Court in Sydney. AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
The footage shows the driver checking underneath the car and becoming visibly distraught when they see a small body there.
Adhikari was taken to another hospital for mandatory testing and then charged over the incident.
He faced Burwood Local Court and the matter was quickly adjourned to a later date.
Adhikari has not entered a plea to the criminal charge.
Outside court, he told reporters he was “really sorry” as he tried to shield his face from the cameras.
His lawyer, Danny Eid, said Adhikari was “very, very stressed and worried” about the girl’s family and their welfare.
The three-year-old had been playing in the driveway when the tragedy took place. AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
A general view of the home where a three-year-old girl died. AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
“This is a very, very sad case,” he said.
“He’s asked me to relay his deep sadness to the whole family who have lost their beautiful young child.“
When asked if Adhikari had spoken to the girl’s family, Eid said it wouldn’t be appropriate for his client to contact the family directly.
“(He’s) very saddened. Very stressed about what occurred,” the lawyer said.
“His whole focus is on the welfare of the family of the deceased.“
Adhikari will return to court in October.
Adhikari will face court again in October. AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
Until then, he is on bail under strict conditions which include reporting to police every day.
The 27-year-old is also barred from operating a motor vehicle while on bail.
-Reported with AAP
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