‘Spare driver from jail’, says father of boy killed in Banksia school crash

The father of a boy killed in the Banksia school crash has called for the female driver to be spared jail, saying he doesn’t want another family torn apart by the tragedy.

A mother-of-four who ploughed into a Sydney primary school and killed two students has pleaded guilty to the crime – but one victim’s family doesn’t want her thrown in jail.

Maha Al-Shennag was attempting to park her Toyota Kluger at Banksia Road Public School in November, 2017 when she slammed into a classroom full of students.

The accident cost the lives of Jihad Darwiche, 8, and nine-year-old class mate, Andrew Encinas. Three other students were also injured.

Ms Al-Shennag, a 52-year-old widow and volunteer, was charged with a string of offences, the most serious being two counts of manslaughter.

Maha Al-Shennag (left), the woman who drove into Banskia Road Public School killing two students. Picture: AAP

Those charges are now expected to be withdrawn after Ms Al-Shennag pleaded guilty this month to dangerous driving occasioning death.

The Punchbowl woman was due to stand trial last week but the guilty plea changed the course of the case.

The offence attracts a maximum penalty of 10 years jail.

But in a remarkable show of forgiveness and kindness, Jihad’s father, Raede Darwiche, does not want to see the driver sent to jail.

“Our family was torn apart when our eight-year-old boy was killed while he was at school,” he said.

“Even after three years, our family suffers so much, there is not a day we don’t miss our son, Jihad.

Raed Darwiche (centre), the father of Jihad Darwiche, one of two schoolboys killed in an accident at Banksia Road Primary School. Picture: AAP

Tributes laid outside the main entrance to Banksia Road Public School in Greenacre in 2017 after the tragedy. Picture: AAP

“The crash was a shocking tragedy, but we have forgiven driver Maha Al-Shennag.

“She has four children, who I do not want to grow up without a mother.

“If there was any other option available, my wife and I do not want Maha to go to jail.

“Maha has enough pain and suffering in her life.

“Sending her to jail will not bring our son back.”

Twenty-four children and a female teacher were inside the classroom when the SUV ploughed into it on the morning of November 7 more than three years ago.

**MUST CREDIT: Seven News*** Banksia Road Primary School in Greenacre where a Female driver crashed her Toyota Kruger into the school killing two students and badly injuring at least nine students. Picture: Seven News

At the time, Ms Al-Shennag told investigators she was momentarily distracted by a water bottle that fell on the floor while she attempting to park her car and drop off a child at the school.

Students were pulled out from underneath desks and debris while parents ran to the school looking for their children.

Hours after burying his child, Mr Darwiche recorded a short video, which went viral, explaining he had forgiven Ms Al-Shennag and calling for calm in a time of heightened emotions in the community.

Ms Al-Shennag will be sentenced at Parramatta District Court in September.