'No words can help': Parents of accused driver speak out after footpath tragedy
The parents of the man accused of being drunk behind the wheel of a car that hit and killed four children have spoken out about their “heartbroken” son and offered an apology to the victims’ families.
Allan and Kay Davidson told 9News on Monday they had lost their daughter 10 years ago and now felt as though they were going to lose their son.
Samuel William Davidson, 29, was allegedly three times the legal blood alcohol limit on Saturday night when his ute hit eight-year-old Sienna, 12-year-old Angelina and 13-year-old Antony Abdallah, and their cousin, 11-year-old Veronique Sakr.
All four children, who were on the footpath as they made their way to get ice cream, died at the scene in Oatlands, northwest of Sydney.
“Those poor families have lost their children, no words can help them and I’m so sorry to them,” Mr Davidson told 9News.
Ms Davidson added her son was “so, so sorry” and he couldn’t believe what had happened.
Samuel’s dad continued: “He has a good heart and I’m sure he’s just as devastated as we are, and understands the consequences for his actions.
“We won’t be seeing him for many years I’m sure.”
Samuel has been charged with 20 offences including four counts of manslaughter, dangerous driving occasioning death and grievous bodily harm, negligent driving and drink driving.
Leila Geagea – the mother of Sienna, Angelina and Antony – said on Monday she forgave the accused driver as she visited the scene of the tragedy.
"I think in my heart I forgive him. But I want the court to be fair. I'm not going to hate him because that's not who we are," she told reporters.
"It feels very unreal. I feel like I'm still waiting for them to come home."
Father Danny Abdallah pleaded with drivers to be more careful as he came to grips with the loss of three of his six children with Leila.
"I don't know what to say. I'm numb, probably that's what I feel at the moment. All I want to say is please, drivers, be careful," he said.
With AAP
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