Dhirren Singh Randhawa, the 19-year-old driver allegedly responsible for the death of Charlie Stevens, has been handed a suspended jail sentence following the tragic incident during last year’s Schoolies celebrations.
It is reported that in the South Australian District Court, Randhawa was sentenced to one year, one month, and seven days in jail, with a non-parole period of seven months. However, the sentence was suspended on the condition that he maintains good behaviour for the next two years. His driver’s licence has also been cancelled for 10 years.
The incident occurred in November last year when Randhawa allegedly struck 18-year-old Charlie Stevens, the son of South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, at Goolwa Beach, south of Adelaide. Stevens sustained an irreversible brain injury and tragically died the next day at Flinders Medical Centre.
Randhawa had previously pleaded guilty to aggravated driving without due care and leaving the scene of a crash. A more serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving was dropped during an earlier hearing.
During sentencing, it is reported, the court heard that Stevens and his friends had approached Randhawa on the evening of the incident, asking for a ride to nearby Victor Harbor.
Randhawa declined, citing concerns about his P-plate demerit points. Shortly after, while performing a U-turn, Randhawa struck Stevens. In what was described as “shock and disbelief,” he initially left the scene but later stopped and informed police of the accident.
Addressing the Stevens family in court, Randhawa expressed deep remorse.
“Learning that Charlie’s life support was switched off was the most difficult thing I’ve ever heard. To Charlie’s mum and dad, I’m deeply sorry.”
In his victim impact statement, Commissioner Stevens spoke about the profound loss his family had suffered.
“You cannot possibly understand what you have taken from us. Charlie was a vibrant, caring, fun-loving young man with so much ahead of him. Now, all we have are memories, and that is simply not enough.”
Speaking outside the court after the sentencing, Commissioner Stevens thanked the community for their continued support, noting that his family was still learning to live without Charlie. He also expressed gratitude that Randhawa had taken responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty, which had helped bring the legal process to a quicker conclusion.
“We’re grateful that this part of the process is over, but we’re constantly reminded of Charlie’s absence.”
Despite the tragedy, Stevens acknowledged that the support from the South Australian community had provided some comfort, saying,
“There’s no way we can repay or fully acknowledge the support we’ve received, but we are incredibly thankful.”
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