Judge Anne Barnett suspended the prison term of Ashton Friend, a 20‑year‑old driver, after he pleaded guilty to causing the death of Samia Malik.
The fatal hit‑and‑run unfolded on North East Road, Hillcrest, around 11 pm on May 6, 2025, when CCTV captured Malik kneeling with her hands in a prayer‑like gesture before the collision.
Friend told the court he was unaware of Malik, arguing the noise he heard misled him into thinking he had struck an animal. His defence barrister, Jane Abbey KC, highlighted his paralysis after seeing a news report the day after the incident.
The judge sentenced Friend to 1 year, 3 months, 29 days with an eight‑month non‑parole period, but the term was suspended on the condition of a two‑year bond requiring good conduct. The bond will expire in February 2027.
Local residents have voiced concerns that the verdict may set a lenient precedent for future hit‑and‑run cases.