“Is a life really worth it?”
It’s a question Police is putting to anti-social road users after an Auckland man’s sentencing over a pregnant woman losing her baby when she was struck in May 2023.
Police began investigating the illegal street racing event on 19 May 2023 in the East Tamaki area.
Today, a 24-year-old man was sentenced in the Auckland High Court to two years and four months imprisonment for manslaughter, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.
He has also been disqualified from driving for 12 months.
For legal reasons he cannot be named at this stage.
“The events of that night were a tragedy for everyone concerned,” Counties Manukau East Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Batey says.
“The man took part in illegal street racing that was occurring in East Tamaki that night.
“While racing on a public road he struck a pregnant spectator, seriously injuring her and forcing emergency surgical procedures to be carried out.
“Her young baby sustained such catastrophic injuries that she barely even stood a chance at life and did not survive the day.”
The baby girl would have celebrated her second birthday earlier this year.
Police is sending a strong message to anti-social road users.
Detective Senior Sergeant Batey says Police and the wider community will not tolerate such blatant disregard for others around them.
“A lot of this behaviours ends up as merely a momentary rush of glory on social media or amongst peers.
“The reality is that the driving taking place on public roads is putting participants, spectators and innocent members of the public at real risk.
“I put this question to those taking part: ‘Is a life really worth it?’”
Police will continue to carry out disruptive and enforcement activities in response to anti-social behaviour on our roads.
Anyone who witnesses offending taking place should contact Police on 111 as soon as possible.
Further information can also be reported to Police online or by calling 105.
Image credit: Chinmay Jade
Obvious question: why is a pregnant spectator at illegal street races? FAFO. Where is her (its) responsibility?
Justice going down the drain of indignation.
At the same time, listen to this:
https://dailytelegraph.co.nz/news/freemans-bay-homicide-newborn-babys-body-found-in-wheelie-bin/
Instead of doing something positive like organising a legal venue these commentators misogynistically dump on the victim. Think about it.