'How can you sleep at night?': Father of schoolgirl killed at bus stop reads emotional statement
The horrific accident that claimed the life of schoolgirl Aneri Patel was relived on Monday, as dash cam footage of the incident was released for the first time.
The footage showed the moment the silver 4WD, driven by Ms Galuvao, turned on to Railway Parade in Kogarah and slammed into a bus stop, where 16-year-old Aneri was sitting in September 2014.
She had just finished taking a HSC exam.
The vehicle smashed through the window of the chemist behind the bus stop, causing police to close both lanes of traffic following the crash.
Aneri’s heartbroken parents came face-to-face with the accused driver Puipuimaota Galuvao in court on Monday.
Emotional victim impact statements were read aloud, with Aneri’s father Nikul Patel directly addressing his only child’s alleged killer.
"How can you sleep at night when you killed a beautiful soul?" he said.
“She was the only girl born in four generations. We have been robbed of being parents and grandparents.
“Life will never be the same without our precious daughter... Our home is empty.
“Whatever time you spend in jail will never be enough for the crime you committed.”
Ms Galuvao, 28, arrived at the court with her family and sat silently in court listening to the impact statements.
The court heard she has never held a license.
She pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death but insists she was pushed to drive by a friend in need of a lift and could not say no.
She sobbed in court as she apologised to Aneri's family, saying she wished it was her instead.
"I wish I could take her place. I wish it was me instead of Aneri in that car. I am so sorry."
Ms Galuvao embraced her family before she was taken into custody ahead of sentencing.
The hearing continues tomorrow.
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