A teenage driver accused of killing the SA police commissioner’s son was an “aspiring doctor” who “never drank” – as new details emerge about the alleged collision.
Charlie Stevens, 18, was waiting with friends for a bus to Schoolies parties in Victor Harbor when he was hit by Dhirren Randhawa, also 18, in Goolwa, south of Adelaide, about 9pm on Friday.
Mr Stevens died in hospital 22 hours later, while Mr Randhawa was arrested a short time later on a nearby street after allegedly fleeing the scene.
Now, just hours before the P-plate driver made his first court appearance on Monday, friends of the Randhawa family have spoken out in the teenager’s defense.
Although police will allege Randhawa made a U-turn, accelerated and was on the wrong side of the road at the time of the crash, loved ones say he is a ‘good boy’ who is close to his single mother and younger brother. and sister.
Dhirren Randhawa, 18, (pictured leaving Christies Beach Magistrates’ Court in Adelaide on Monday) has been charged in the death of Charlie Stevens
Charlie Stevens (pictured) remembered as a ‘beautiful boy’ by devastated loved ones
Family members told the media that Randhawa, a former graduate of Victor Harbor School, has worked as an apprentice barber at a local barber shop – where he is very popular among customers – and has been dating his high school sweetheart for the past year.
They said Randhawa, who dreams of becoming a doctor, has never drank alcohol, taken drugs or smoked cigarettes.
Outside of work, he also helped rescue dogs in the area and enjoyed spending time with his two pet Akitas, Hachi and Bella, with whom he walked daily.
In addition to his internship, he also considered continuing his studies at university.
Friends say Randhawa’s close-knit family, who live in Encounter Bay, are well known in the local community and are “devastated” by the crash.
They have hired former Nine Network newsreader Georgina McGuiness as media consultant and lawyer Jane Abbey KC to help with Randhawa’s lawsuit.
The new insight comes as the allegations against Randhawa came to light at Christies Beach Magistrates Court on Monday.
According to court documents, police will allege Randhawa caused the death by dangerous driving, based on the accounts of three eyewitnesses who were with Mr Stevens on Friday evening.
It is believed Mr Stevens – the son of SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens – was staying at his family’s beach house and waiting at a nearby bus stop for a shuttle bus to school functions at the time of the alleged crash.
Charlie is pictured with his father, SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens
Tributes have poured in online for Charlie, who recently started a carpentry course
Police will allege that shortly before the tragedy, Mr Stevens ‘pointed out’ Randhawa as he drove past to see if they could get a lift, but there was not enough room for them all.
Ny Breaking Australia does not suggest there was any animosity between the groups.
Police will allege that as Randhawa drove away, the three witnesses were standing on the grass verge on the west side of the road, while Mr Stevens was near the southbound carriageway.
As the group continued towards the gravel shoulder, Randhawa made a U-turn, began driving on the wrong side of the road and hit Mr Stevens, police allege.
However, a female passenger in Randhawa’s car has given police a second version of events, claiming she saw Mr Stevens ‘running across the road, into the path of the vehicle’.
She is said to have seen a few men walking on the west side of the road and partly on the footpath, as well as another male on the east side of the road.
She claims the man crossed the road on the east side of the road and ran into the path of Randhawa’s car.
The witness, police allege, told officers that Randhawa drove a short distance away, where he called his mother to ask whether he should call the police or go to a police station in person.
The witness reportedly said that the police arrived while Randhawa was on the phone and he surrendered.
Flowers and teddy bears have been left at the scene of the alleged collision in honor of Mr Stevens
Family friends say Randhawa (pictured) is a family-oriented child who dreamed of becoming a doctor
On Saturday, Randhawa’s mother shared a statement expressing her condolences to the Stevens family.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the Stevens family and my heart breaks to think of the suffering and pain they are experiencing,” she said.
“Out of respect and recognizing that this is now a matter for the courts, I will not comment further at this time.”
Randhawa was later charged with causing death by dangerous driving, aggravated driving without due care, leaving the scene of an accident after causing death and failing to actually answer questions.
If convicted, he faces a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a disqualification from holding or obtaining a driver’s license for 10 years or such longer period as the court orders.
Police are investigating whether the magnetic blue 2011 Volkswagen Golf hatchback that Randhawa is said to have driven could have been driven by a P-plater.
According to the online car guide, the five-door Golf can reach 100 km/h in less than six seconds. The car costs $52,490 brand new or up to $16,000 used.
Under driving license legislation, P-platers are prohibited from driving certain vehicles that could be considered ‘high performance’ cars.
Family friends have said the car was a “standard edition.”
Meanwhile, tributes are beginning to gather outside the bus station where the alleged crash occurred on Friday – the first night of school celebrations.
Randhawa’s mother issued a statement on Saturday expressing her condolences to the Stevens family.
Charlie Stevens, 18, was in Goolwa Beach celebrating schoolboys on Friday when he was reportedly hit by a car on Beach Rd about 9pm
Charlie was flown to hospital in a serious condition after the collision. Image: 7 NEWS
“I extend my deepest condolences to the Stevens family and my heart breaks to think of the suffering and pain they are experiencing,” she said in a statement.
“Out of respect and recognizing that this is now a matter for the courts, I will not comment further at this time.”
In a family statement shared by SA Police on Sunday evening, Commissioner Stevens and Ms Stevens thanked the police, first responders and other responders who attended the incident.
“The Stevens family would also like to thank the wider community for their support at this difficult time. “In particular, the family acknowledges the dedicated staff at Flinders Medical Center for their care and support of Charlie and his family and friends.”
Ny Breaking Australia understands Commissioner Stevens will take an indefinite leave of absence to be with his family as they grieve.
The court hearing continues.