An 80-year-old woman accused of causing the tragic death of a four-year-old boy in a crash intends to plead guilty. Maureen Brew was not present when her case was briefly mentioned in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday, June 4.
A defence lawyer indicated Brew intended to plead guilty to culpable driving causing death. The 80-year-old is also facing a backup charge of negligent driving causing death. Brew will be required to formally enter her plea in person in court at a later date.
The boy, Osal Mayur Pokhrel, died after a crash at Mawson's Southlands Shopping Centre on January 18. Father Prakash Pokhrel told The Canberra Times the family hoped the legal process would bring meaningful change and protect others in the future. "Nothing can bring him back," Mr Pokhrel said.
The boy and his parents, Prakash and Chura, were part of a close-knit Bhutanese community in Canberra and Queanbeyan. On the morning of the crash, the couple had taken their son to offer prayers at a temple before heading to the Mawson shops for groceries.
It is alleged Brew was driving a blue hatchback that hit the boy before continuing into a shopfront. The boy was treated at the scene by bystanders and paramedics before being transported to hospital. He died a short time later.
Magistrate Ian Temby adjourned the case to return to court later this month.
