Family of man killed by car call for justice after being 'let down' by legal system

The heartbroken family of Zach Hunt are calling for justice after the woman who was formerly accused of causing his death had the charge dropped.

The 32-year-old was run over by a car as he lay in an Adelaide street last year.

"The pain doesn't go away it's there today it's there tomorrow it's there last week," his father Craig Hunt said.

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The driver, Alicia Pickett, thought she'd hit a log in Elizabeth Downs last August.

But when she was later told it had been a person, she went home and shaved her head instead of going to the police.

Pickett was originally charged with causing Hunt's death by dangerous driving but instead pleaded guilty to careless driving and leaving the scene of an accident.

The sentencing judge said it was a terrible outcome for the family and that they'd been let down by the system.

The family were very nearly denied the right to read a statement because the judge said by the very nature of the charges there is no "victim", which prompted an outburst from Craig in court.

"That's why I stood up and said what I said – 'How's there not a victim?' – it's common sense," he said.

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Pickett was driving over the speed limit but prosecutors said even at the proper speed she wouldn't have had time to see Zach and stop.

"I think anyone that does that to a family should pay," Craig said.

Pickett will be able to spend Christmas at home as she won't be sentenced until January.

Meanwhile, the Hunt family prepares to spend a second Christmas without Zach.

"I spent Christmas Day at his cross where the accident happened with him. Thirty-two years of loving memories," Craig said.