Alleged drink driver 'grief stricken' after nine-year-old killed on Christmas Day
As mourners leave flowers and toys in memory of a nine-year-old boy who was killed on Christmas night, lawyers for the alleged drink driver say their client is "grief-stricken".
Sisters Louise and Josephine Ouma were walking with Josiah Sisson when he was fatally struck on Christmas night.
Behind the wheel was Adrian Murray, allegedly three times over the blood-alcohol limit.
Remarkably, Josiah’s parents say they are willing to forgive Mr Murray.
Fast forward three days and the Ouma girls’ parents on Wednesday visited the man accused of hitting Josiah to give him comfort.
“I don't think there's anything that could be said to make him feel any better,” Mr Murray’s lawyer told reporters outside his house on Wednesday.
The Ouma and Sisson families had spent Christmas day together and were out looking at the local lights when Josiah was hit by a runaway ute.
The 24-year-old driver lives next door to the crash site which overnight became a memorial.
Meanwhile, friends and members of the Sisson's church community paid tribute through song and heartfelt words.
It could be several weeks before Murray is charged as investigators compile witness statements and review security pictures to paint a picture of how the carpenter was driving in the minutes leading up to the crash.
While he waits at home, being visited by friends, Josiah's parents are now planning their son's funeral.