Dhirren Randhawa and mother Amreeta Stara’s full comments to Stevens family over Charlie’s death

The young driver who hit and killed Police Commissioner Grant Stevens’s son at Schoolies has apologised as his mother also made a statement in court. Read them in full.

The young driver who killed SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens’ son Charlie during Schoolies near Victor Harbor has apologised in court in Adelaide today, while his mother has also issued a lengthy statement.

Their words came as the Stevens family faced Dhirren Randhawa in the Adelaide District Court today for sentencing submissions, where they also gave their own emotional statements on the death of the 18-year-old after he was hit by the car Randhawa was driving at Goolwa on November 18.

DHIRREN SINGH RANDHAWA’S APOLOGY

To everyone impacted by the loss of Charlie, you are constantly in my thoughts.

I think about the impact losing Charlie has had and try my hardest to empathise with you.

I know hearing Charlie’s life support being switched off was the most difficult thing I’ve heard in my life.

I can only imagine how you felt.

You’re always on my mind. So is Charlie. And will be forever.

To Charlie’s mum and dad, seeing you on TV, talking about Charlie brought out deep sadness within me.

More than any media headline, comment or death threat, seeing you on the verge of tears, with the sorrowing look on your faces impacted me the most.

There’s so much I’d like to say, but mostly I want to say I’m sorry.

And I’m sorry Charlie.

Amreeta Stara and her son Dhirren Randhawa arriving at Adelaide District court. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

AMREETA STARA’S LETTER TO THE STEVENS FAMILY AND THE COURT

I would like to express my deepest remorse and sincere apologies to Charlie’s family and friends for the tragic accident that resulted in the loss of Charlie.

Words cannot adequately convey the sorrow and regret I feel over this devastating incident.

I understand that no apology can ever bring back the life that was lost or lessen the pain and suffering endured.

However, I want to express my profound regret for the part played by my son, Dhirren in causing you grief and anguish.

I assure you that Dhirren and I are aware of the irreversible impact this incident has had on all those affected, and we are truly sorry for the unimaginable pain you are experiencing.

I know that words cannot undo what has already happened, but I hope to provide some form of solace by assuring you that we have and are grieving with you.

This is something that we will indeed have to live with for the rest of our lives.

It is not something we get to forget and move on from.

Dhirren Randhawa leaving court in Adelaide. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Charlie Stevens. Picture: Supplied

I assure you that Dhirren is deeply affected by this accident, and he is filled with regret and sorrow.

Being the empathetic person that he is, Dhirren has spent many hours and sleepless nights reflecting on what has happened.

He has pondered on all the whys and what-ifs … I guess this can only serve as a lesson for the future.

I assure you that his pain isn’t caused by the media labelling him a killer or the death threats he and my family have received.

Rather, it is the pain he witnessed in Emma and Grant Stevens as they spoke about Charlie.

Dhirren lost his best friend to Leukemia two years ago, and he found it unbearable to witness the pain he saw in his friend’s father, the same pain he sees in Grant Stevens – only this time, he feels responsible for it.

Rest assured, because of the type of person Dhirren is, this is not something he will be able to simply move on from.

He is seeing his GP and counsellor and undergoing therapy to help him cope.

As parents, we try our best to guide, educate, and protect our children.

My heart breaks for your loss and for Charlie.

It also breaks for the suffering and pain I see in my son Dhirren and my two younger children.

SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens and wife Emma leaving Adelaide District court. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

The events since that night have caused immense pain, fear, trauma and anxiety, amongst other things.

There were death threats – my daughter was labelled as a killer’s sister by some kids at school, and there has been emotional and mental turmoil within our peaceful, happy family.

It has traumatically changed our lives forever.

My intention is not to divulge and reflect on all the negative repercussions of the impact of the tragic incident or to victimise ourselves, but rather to assure you that there has been a lot of pain, suffering, and struggles on this side, too.

Despite all this, we have decided to focus on what truly matters: to acknowledge, accept, and be responsible for our part in this tragedy and to hold space for the pain that you are going through.

Please accept our heartfelt condolences and apologies.