Family of boy, 12, killed in car crash speak of heartbreak

The family of a 12-year-old boy allegedly killed by a disqualified driver in a car crash are struggling to deal with his death and are too distraught to leave home. Rabih Abdulrahman, 36 — who faces seven charges including manslaughter — appeared in court today but did not apply for bail.

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The heartbroken family of the 12-year-old boy killed by a driver who was allegedly already banned from getting behind the wheel are too distraught to leave their home.

Friends and relatives today gathered at the family’s home in Hurstville to mourn the loss of the boy.

Police allege Rabih Abdulrahman was driving while ­already disqualified when he sped through a red light and hit the boy who was crossing the road while the pedestrian signal was green about 8.40am on the corner of Lily St and Forest Rd in Hurstville.

The boy can’t legally be named because he is a victim of crime.

The 12-year-old boy died after allegedly being run over by disqualified driver Rabih Abdulrahman in Hurstville. Picture: Tim Hunter

Abdulrahman, 36, from Cartwright, has been charged with seven offences, including manslaughter, dangerous driving occasioning death, driving while disqualified and other traffic offences.

He did not apply for bail in Parramatta Bail Court today during a five-minute hearing were he said nothing other than “yes” when asked by the magistrate if he understood the seven charges he was facing.

His lawyer Mohamed Said told the court his client would not be making a bail application.

According to his Facebook page, Abdulrahman is a father of three young children.

Outside the boy’s home on Saturday, a family representative ­explained his mother and father were too distraught to make a statement or even leave their apartment.

Rabih Abdulrahman, who was arrested at the scene following the crash, appeared in court today. Picture: Nine News

They are struggling to deal with the reality their boy left for a normal day at Sydney Technical High School just after 8am Friday but never made it.

Harrowing footage taken by a security camera at a nearby business showed the boy being hit by the Toyota Corolla sedan, which then crashed into the fence outside Hurstville Public School with the youth trapped underneath.

More than 100 flower bouquets and tribute messages lined the fence of the school on Saturday.

This comes as one of Abdulrahman’s family revealed they had received death threats.

“We are very sorry, very distraught and more upset than anyone,” the relative, who did not wish to be identified, told The Sunday Telegraph.

“Anyone would be upset. It’s a child; I have kids of my own.”

Police blocked off a number of streets as they investigated the fatality on Friday.

He said his family had received threats.

“There are a lot of people out there who want to do us harm. Rabih has to pay for his actions.”

The police prosecutor in the matter told the court the brief of evidence would be served on Abdulrahman by October 21.

Abdulrahman will next face Sutherland Local Court November 4.

The Daily Telegraph revealed overnight Attorney-General Mark Speakman will urgently review the case after it was revealed Abdulrahman was already serving jail time in the community for driving offences.

Abdulrahman, has a history of violence, driving high on drugs and carrying weapons.

Late last night Mr Speakman said he would review Abdulrahman’s case.

“I have asked the Department of Communities and Justice to provide me with a transcript of relevant proceedings involving the alleged offender, which I will review.”

Abdulrahman was sentenced to a one-year intensive corrections order on October 4 after being convicted of assaulting a police officer, carrying knives in a public place, driving a vehicle under the influence of drugs, carrying a weapon and resisting arrest.

Police holding a tyre hubcap they found at the scene. Picture: Justin Lloyd

The intensive corrections order is a term of imprisonment to be served in the community until October 4 this year.

“An ICO is a custodial sentence of up two years that the court decides can be served in the community,” the Department of Justice states.

“Community safety is the court’s paramount consideration when making this decision.”

Yesterday, while serving that jail sentence Abdulrahman allegedly hit the boy, then got out of his car and lit a cigarette.

Later he was photographed sticking up both middle fingers of his cuffed hands while police surrounded him.

Abas Nazari had just started work as a painter at a home nearby when he heard the crash.

“After about two seconds I heard the screaming,” he said.

Mr Nazari alleged that the driver made no attempt to help after the sickening impact.

“The driver didn’t say anything, he just got out and started smoking — he didn’t try to help,” Mr Nazari said.

The car being removed from the scene. Picture: Tim Hunter

St George Acting Superintendent Chief Inspector Craig James said students, parents, teachers, passers-by and an off-duty paramedic tried desperately to save the boy’s life — but he was pronounced dead at Sydney Children’s Hospital.

“It was school drop-off time, there were a number of kids being dropped off at school, teachers that ran out to the scene, the general public — this is absolutely awful for them,” Chief Inspector James said.

Kogarah state Labor MP Chris Minns delivered a message on behalf of Sydney Technical High School.

“Students and staff have been provided with counselling to support them and also have contact numbers so that they can access help over the weekend or later if needed,” he posted on Facebook.

Education Department Secretary Mark Scott thanked those who tried to help.

“Thanks to all (who are) working tirelessly to support school communities after this morning’s terrible accident,” Mr Scott said.

“So shocking and devastating for students, parents and teachers at this sudden, tragic loss.”

The Education Department said it would also provide support to Hurstville Public School, where the victim attended until his graduation last year.

“The student was a much-loved member of each school community,” a spokesman said.

“The school community’s thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with the student’s family and friends.”

Additional reporting: Campbell Gellie and Eliza Barr

Originally published as Family of boy, 12, killed in car crash speak of heartbreak