The mother who drove her car into a Melbourne primary school and killed a child is finally set to admit responsibility.
Jack Davey, 11, was sitting with his friends on an outdoor bench at Auburn South Primary School, in Melbourne’s east, when he was fatally struck by the car.
A Toyota SUV driven by Shaymaa Oun Ghazi Zuhaira crashed through the school’s fence on October 29 and ploughed into the group of Year 5 students.
Jack suffered critical injuries and died on the way to hospital.
Four other children – two girls aged 11 and another aged 10, plus a 10-year-old boy – were seriously injured and required hospitalisation.
The Daily Mail can reveal Zuhaira, of Hawthorn East, will now face court on September 1 where she is now set to make key admissions.
Court case details indicate she will plead guilty to charges of careless driving and failing to have proper control of a motor vehicle.
Zuhaira was only charged with the relatively minor traffic offences seven months after the deadly accident.
Jack Davey, 11, was sitting with his friends on an outdoor bench at Auburn South Primary School, in Melbourne ‘s east, when he was fatally struck by the car
A Toyota SUV driven by Shaymaa Oun Ghazi Zuhaira crashed through the school’s fence on October 29 and ploughed into the group of Year 5 students
A charge of careless driving in Victoria carries a fine of a little over $2,000 and may incur a licence suspension.
The maximum penalty for failing to have proper control of a vehicle is five penalty units – amounting to a maximum fine of under $1,000.
She could have faced up to ten years in jail if she had been charged and convicted of dangerous driving causing death.
The reason why Zuhaira is not facing the more serious charge remains unclear.
In the days after the tragedy, Daily Mail revealed Victoria Police officers had been seen delivering groceries to Zuhaira at her home.
Images captured by the Daily Mail at the time showed a police inspector among those delivering groceries.
‘The investigation into the fatal collision in Hawthorn East remains ongoing,’ a police spokesman told the Daily Mail at the time, emphasising police had not purchased the groceries.
‘Police officers continue to work to support the welfare of those involved.’
Four other children – two girls aged 11 and another aged 10, plus a 10-year-old boy – were seriously injured and required hospitalisation
Police were seen delivering groceries to the home of SUV driver Shaymaa Oun Ghazi Zuhaira days after the tragedy
The bizarre move followed a request by Victoria Police to media organisations to leave the driver alone.
‘This incident has had an absolutely traumatic effect on everyone involved,’ the police statement said.
‘We are aware there are media personnel at the Hawthorn East address of the woman who was driving the car involved in the crash.
‘Whilst we understand and respect your interest in what happened and subsequent reporting, we kindly ask that you move on from the address as it’s causing deep distress to family, including young children.’
Following the charges, Zuhaira’s family released a statement offering its heartfelt condolences to Jack’s family.
‘Our hearts go out to you and to every family affected by this loss,’ they said.
It is understood the then 40-year-old P-plate licence holder had just collected her child from the school and performed a U-turn before tragedy struck.
It has since been revealed Zuhaira had attended a two-hour meeting at the school prior to the crash, but details about the meeting remain unclear.
Jack Dabiey (pictured) suffered critical injuries and died on the way to hospital
His death caused an outpouring of grief from the community
A source claimed she drove over the median strip, got stuck and accelerated hard to free herself, but then lost control.
Zuhaira was initially arrested on the day of the tragedy but later released following a police interview.
Crash scene investigators reportedly created a mechanical reconstruction of the accident to examine the angle of the driver’s seat, gear stick movements and speed.
Jack had been a devoted Melbourne Demons fan, with his sisters Olivia and Charlotte invited to run out with the team onto the MCG just two days before Zuhaira was charged.
His family have made no public comments on the ongoing case since the very first days after the tragedy.
At the time, Jack’s father, Mike Davey, shared his gratitude for the outpouring of love and support for his son.
‘We find comfort in reading the many messages and memories of Jack and how his life and energy was a positive influence on so many in the community at just 11 years old,’ his father, Michael Davey, said.
‘Personally, he is our champion. He is our beloved son and brother who remains very much alive in our hearts and memories as we piece together our lives with his spirit going forward.’
Jack was remembered as a valued member of the Titans basketball community and Gladiators football club, as well as a keen futsal player
Jack’s father, Mike Davey (pictured with his wife, Jayde), shared his gratitude for the outpouring of love and support for his son
Mr Davey also penned a heartbreaking tribute to his ‘beautiful son’.
‘A shooting star who blessed us for 11 years with love, friendship and kindness,’ Mr Davey wrote.
‘You were my inspiration and motivation. I cannot comprehend the life ahead without you. My mate, my champ, my Jackie-boi. Godspeed, until we meet again… I love you.’
A GoFundMe campaign raised $291,000 for Jack’s family before closing.
Among the largest of the donations was a $10,000 contribution by Melbourne printing boss Wayne Sidwell and his wife.
The court listing for Zuhaira also indicates she has not yet engaged lawyers to represent her at next month’s expected plea hearing.
