Arabic version: العائلة تشارك حزنها في المحكمة بسبب حادث وفاة المراهق

The parents of Jai Kalani Wright, a 16-year-old Dunghutti teenager who died after colliding with an unmarked police car, expressed their profound grief during a court hearing on Friday. The emotional testimonies were delivered at the Downing Centre District Court as the family sought acknowledgment of their pain following the tragic incident in 2022.

According to SBS News, Jai’s mother, Kylie Aloua, shared her sorrow, stating, “The court needs to hear what this has done to me … he was my son, my light and my future.” She emphasized that Jai was the glue that held their family together.

During the sentencing hearing for Benedict Bryant, the officer found guilty of dangerous driving occasioning death, Ms. Aloua expressed her hope that Bryant would not face prison time, wishing to spare his family from the same loss she endured. Judge Jane Culver previously noted that Bryant’s decision to park his car without lights and sirens activated posed a serious risk.

Jai suffered critical head injuries from the collision and died the following day at Prince Alfred Hospital. His father, Lachlan Wright, also testified about the impact of his son’s death, recalling the loss of another family member with the same name years prior.

Crown prosecutor Philip Strickland SC argued that Bryant’s actions were dangerous to a high degree, referencing a similar incident involving Bryant that occurred two-and-a-half months before Jai’s death. The case is notable as it marks a significant ruling, with the Aboriginal Legal Service indicating it is likely the first time a serving police officer has been found guilty for the death of an Indigenous person during a police operation in New South Wales. Bryant’s solicitor has indicated plans to appeal the ruling, with sentencing scheduled for a later date.