The parents of a 16-year-old boy who died in a buggy rollover in the Adelaide Hills have told a court that they hope the driver can follow his dreams "with Jai in your heart".
The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was today sentenced in the Youth Court to a six-month good behaviour bond and will be required to do 24 hours of community service.
He escaped conviction for careless driving and causing the death of Tea Tree Gully tennis champion Jai Clarke at Paracombe in March.
The court heard the boy was driving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on a gravel track he had driven "hundreds of times" before turning too sharply and causing it to roll.
Jai was killed in the accident.
Today, his mother Jo Clarke read a statement to the court, saying there was a "split second" each morning where she woke up believing everything was OK before "the reality of what has happened sets in".
"Every aspect of our day-to-day lives has changed. Even something as simple as cooking has been tainted — getting three plates out instead of four, eating Jai's favourite meal without him," she said.
"We are left questioning our parenting and why we could have got things so wrong. We have failed in our job to protect our son.
"The worst-case scenario for us is if no lessons are learnt and you allow yourself to explain this away as merely very bad luck or an unforeseeable accident.
"Although it was not intentional, there have been warning signs in your life that you have been pushing the boundaries."
Ms Clarke said the boy chose to disobey rules and made poor decisions on the day.
"You need to wake up, step up and grow up. You need to get your act together," she said.
"We would like to see you learn self-restraint. You have destroyed our family with your impulsive, reckless and overconfident attitude.
"Please move forward with Jai in your heart, use his memory to help you build a positive and meaningful life, find your passion, follow your dreams and be the best version of yourself."
Boy apologises to victim's parents
The boy then read an apology to Jo and Steve Clarke, saying nothing he could say would take away the pain, suffering and grief their family was experiencing.
"It will never make things right or better – Jai is still gone," he said.
"Actions speak way louder than words and I hope to honour Jai's memory by making better and more thought-through decisions in the future.
"I know I can never fix the hurt I have caused, but please know I am truly sorry and broken-hearted."
Youth Court Magistrate Todd Grant said the boy had shown insight into his offending and genuine empathy for the family of his victim.
"I find it most unlikely you'll offend again," he said.
Magistrate Grant also banned the youth from driving for six months.
