Sandeep Adhikari, a 27-year-old man, has been charged with negligent driving causing death after a three-year-old girl was struck by a car in Auburn, western Sydney.
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He appeared at Burwood Local Court on Wednesday, less than a day after the girl was hit. He has not entered a plea and remains on bail.
Adhikari hails from Nepal, according to the Nepali media outlet Online Khabar.
The incident occurred on Normanby Road shortly after 2pm on Tuesday. Emergency services responded after reports that a child had been struck by a car in a driveway while playing there.
The girl was taken to Westmead Hospital in critical condition but died several hours later.
Adhikari was not injured. He was taken to Auburn Hospital for mandatory testing before being transported to Auburn Police Station, where he was charged.
He was accompanied by supporters when he left Burwood Local Court on Wednesday. The Daily Mail reported that he attempted to cover his face with a sheet of paper as reporters approached.
“No questions, thanks. Of course I’m very sorry,” Adhikari said.
His lawyer, Danny Eid, said his client was distressed following the incident and concerned about the girl's family.
“He’s very, very stressed and worried about the family, worried about their welfare,” Eid told the media.
Eid said Adhikari had asked him to convey his condolences to the family.
“He’s asked me to relay his deep sadness to the whole family who have lost a beautiful young child.”
Adhikari is due to return to court on October 27.
