A woman who lost control of her car and crashed into a primary school fence, killing one student and injuring four others, has been fined $2,000 and disqualified from driving for two years. Shaymaa Oun Ghazi Zuhaira, 40, was sentenced at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday for careless driving, a low-level traffic offence.
The incident occurred in October 2024 outside Auburn South Primary School, where Zuhaira's own child was enrolled. She was driving out of a parking spot when her SUV mounted a median strip, crossed two lanes, a footpath, and a fence before striking five children. One boy, Jack, died at the scene.
Magistrate Vincenzo Caltabiano said the best explanation was that Zuhaira mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. He described the crash as a serious example of careless driving, noting the care required behind the wheel. Zuhaira, who held a P2 probationary licence, was also ordered to complete a safe driving course.
In court, Jack's father, Michael Davey, delivered a victim impact statement that left many in tears. He described the family's grief and called for a review of Victorian driving laws, arguing that the charge of careless driving does not adequately reflect the harm caused. He urged legislators to consider charges that recognize serious injury or death resulting from careless driving.
Zuhaira, who showed remorse and had no prior criminal record, left court covering her face. The magistrate acknowledged the tragedy, saying little could overcome the effects of the crash. Outside court, Mr. Davey also called for a review of licensing laws for drivers over 25.
