Sangita Prasad, a Dunedin mother who allegedly drove under the influence of methamphetamine in a crash that killed her 7-year-old son on March 23, has pleaded not guilty.
The 47-year-old appeared in the Dunedin District Court on Tuesday, where a deemed not-guilty plea was entered by a registrar to a charge of careless driving causing death while under the influence of drink or drugs. Her lawyer, Deborah Henderson, told the court that “further investigations” into the fatal incident were ongoing, Otago Daily Times reported.
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The crash took place when Prasad’s vehicle left Owaka Valley Road, broke through a fence, and came to rest in a ditch. Her son, O’Siah Prasad, died at the scene.
While Prasad made no comment in court, she shared her grief in a Facebook post: "It should have been me who left this world, not my precious son," Prasad wrote on Facebook.
"Thankfully, we can learn from this tragedy, and I hope that improved safety measures can prevent similar accidents in the future." Prasad said conditions on the day were wet, and urged people to do their own "homework" before condemning her.
"I lost my son, and it hurts every day, but I remain strong, and I wish all the judgmental people out there well, hoping they never experience the same pain, and instead, find compassion and understanding."
A Givealittle page created after the crash raised more than $10,000 in two weeks to support the family. O’Siah was described as “a bright, loving, and adventurous little boy who filled every room with joy.” His loss, the page said, has “left an unimaginable void.”
"During this heartbreaking time, we are reaching out for support to help O’siah’s family (including his mum Sangita) No parent should have to face this pain alone, and any contribution, no matter how small, will help ease the burden they are carrying," the Givealittle page read.
Photo: Givealittle
According to Otago Daily Times, Prasad was remanded on bail with conditions that she live at a Fairfield address, not drive, and not possess illicit drugs. She is scheduled to reappear in court in August.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment or a $10,000 fine.
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