Trial in alleged street racing death begins

Gurjit Dhillon is charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death

The black Corvette found at the scene where 83-year-old Pritam Benning was killed.

The black Corvette found at the scene where 83-year-old Pritam Benning was killed.

The trial of a man charged in the street racing death of a Surrey grandfather is under way this week.

Gurjit Dhillon, 28, is charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death.

On Sept. 17, 2009, 83-year-old Pritam Benning was waiting for a bus at 128 Street and 72 Avenue.

It’s alleged that Dhillon was racing his black Corvette against a yellow Corvette, when Dhillon lost control and hit another car.

Police believe his vehicle then smashed into the bus stop where Benning was standing. Benning died in hospital five days later, but never regained consciousness long enough for his family to say goodbye.

CBC News is reporting that police testified Wednesday that Dhillon turned himself in immediately after the crash.

The Benning family was there during the opening days of the trial.

“There is a lot of anger,” the victim’s son, Manjit Benning told CBC. “It’s hard to lose a parent and it’s even harder to lose them like that.”

The trial continues.

~ with files from CBC News

 

Surrey Now Leader