The teen driver charged in connection with a crash that killed another Surrey teenager, Sanjeeve Sharma, pleaded guilty in court Monday morning.
The driver, who was 16 at the time of the alleged offence and therefore cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was charged with dangerous driving causing death.
Clean cut with a goatee beard and wearing a dark suit, the now 18-year-old stared straight ahead as his lawyer, Russ Chamberlain, entered the guilty plea in Surrey Provincial Court.
Sanjeeve Sharma, 15, died in June 2009 when the car he was in slammed into an SUV near 128 Street and 82 Avenue in Newton. Initial police reports indicated speed and alcohol were factors.
Several of Sanjeeve’s family members, wearing T-shirts reading “Glory is Forever” and “Only the Good Die Young” and carrying a sign with photos of the deceased young man, attended court to hear the plea.
Though pleased they don’t have to endure a trial, Sanjeeve’s father isn’t convinced the guilty plea means the driver has taken responsibility for his actions.
“It’s legal advice,” said Sanjay Sharma. “It’s not him.”
He also doubts the accused will face any jail time because he is a young offender.
“It doesn’t matter,” said Sanjay. “Sanjeeve will always be with us.”
Sentencing will take place at a later date.
