Father discharged without conviction in heartbreaking driveway accident involving son

A father, who faced charges for the accidental death of his son in a driveway mishap, was discharged without conviction today, shedding tears as he stood in the Hutt Valley District Court.

The man, whose identity remains protected by a permanent name suppression order, had previously admitted to a charge of careless driving causing death.

The family had expressed their anguish over the police decision to press charges, feeling they were already enduring a lifetime of sorrow.

The tragic incident occurred in January of the previous year when the father returned home from work in his van. He drove up to a skip bin to dispose of the day’s waste. His 5-year-old son eagerly assisted with the task, climbing onto the bumper and holding onto the rear window wiper as his father prepared to reverse into his parking spot.

In a heartbreaking moment, the father thought he heard his son calling out as he began to reverse. Upon checking, he discovered his son beneath the vehicle. Despite his desperate attempt to move the van forward and free the boy, it was too late. The child had sustained fatal head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A report in legacy media said defense lawyer Shane Robinson described the case as an unintentional tragedy that would haunt his client forever. ‘He’s already been punished enough for his mistake,’ Robinson said.

Crown prosecutor Wilber Tupua argued against a discharge without conviction, citing the serious nature of the offense, but did not oppose the permanent name suppression.

Judge Barbara Morris acknowledged the profound grief experienced by the family, recognising the lasting impact of the event on both the father and his wife.

In granting the discharge without conviction the judge expressed her hope that the family could find peace, stating, ‘I hope that you and your family can get on with your life knowing that your young son would be proud of you and everything you have achieved for the benefit of your family.’