Family of motorcyclist Tyler Matthews-Burnes confront killer driver Kunj Patel in Adelaide court

The mother of a young man killed in a horror motorcycle crash on New Year’s Eve 2023 has told his killer he’ll never understand her pain after watching her son take his last breath over a video call.

A devoted father, son, partner and hard worker – Tyler Matthews-Burnes was on his way to his second job as a security guard when he was killed by a driver’s “momentary moment of inattention”.

In the South Australian District Court on Tuesday morning, Tyler’s mother had her first chance to address the man who caused his death as she fought back tears, holding a framed photo of her youngest son.

Alison Burnes wept as she told killer driver Kunj Kantilal Patel the nightmare she was faced with when she got a phone call on New Year’s Eve, 2023.

She said that just days before the crash, her family had enjoyed spending Christmas Day together and that she didn’t know it would be the last holiday she would spend with her son.

Tyler J Matthews-Burnes died after Patel crashed into his motorcycle on New Year’s Eve, 2023. Picture: Facebook

Tyler was on his way to work as a security guard when the crash occurred. Picture: Facebook

She told the court she had flown to Queensland to surprise other members of her family when she received a phone call from police at about 7pm on New Year’s Eve, telling her that Tyler, 24, had been involved in a crash.

“He had head injuries and was revived at the scene. I screamed in horror,” Ms Burnes said.

“I had to say goodbye to my son over a video call. Do you understand that I could not even hold my baby’s hand while he lay there, taking his last breath. Losing Tyler has changed my life completely.”

She said Tyler was a brilliant father, who “couldn’t wait to share his passions” with his daughter, who was three years old at the time of his death.

“It’s heartbreaking to know that he won’t be here to teach her how to ride her first bicycle. He would have been right by her side, cheering her on.”

Kunj Patel, 31, had pleaded not guilty but changed his plea in November.

He sobbed as he read an apology letter to Tyler’s family. Picture: 7NEWS

Patel, 31, of Northfield, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving on New Year’s Day, and had pleaded not guilty to the charge in August last year.

He changed his plea to guilty in November, entitling him to a 5 per cent discount on his sentence.

Prosecutors said Patel was travelling in lanes designated to go straight ahead on Robe Tce when he instead turned right, crashing into Tyler’s motorcycle.

In court on Tuesday, Patel sobbed as he read an apology letter to Tyler’s family, telling them he was willing and eager to do whatever he could to support the family.

Police at the crash scene, December 2023. Picture: 7NEWS

“I never intended for this to happen. It was a tragic and unfortunate moment, but I accept full responsibility,” he said.

“When I heard that Mr Matthews-Burnes had passed away, I was devastated and overcome with profound remorse. I cannot begin to imagine the grief you are enduring. I know no words can truly express how sorry I am.

“With deep sadness, I acknowledge that my apology cannot undo the past or bring back your loved one. This reality will weigh on my heart for the rest of my life.”

Stephen Ey, for Patel, said the crash was a “horrible tragedy”, but asked that his client not be jailed.

Patel will be sentenced next month.

Originally published as Family of motorcyclist Tyler Matthews-Burnes confront killer driver Kunj Patel in Adelaide court