Samia Malik killed in Adelaide as driver gets suspended sentence
World
A Pakistani student, Samia Malik, lost her life after being hit by a car in Adelaide on May 6, 2025.
The driver, Ashton Friend, admitted to careless driving and leaving the scene.
Even though he pleaded guilty, the court gave him a suspended sentence, so he will not serve jail time right now.
Defence said friend unaware until news
Malik had been kneeling on the road for several minutes before she was struck.
Friend's defense barrister, Jane Abbey KC, said he did not realize he had hit someone until later, when he saw it in the news.
In court, he expressed deep regret, saying he will carry this guilt forever.
The judge decided on a suspended sentence instead of immediate prison.