The family of Dunghutti teenager Jai Kalani Wright have welcomed the news that a New South Wales Police officer, whose car collided with the 16-year-old riding a trail bike, has been charged.
Jai died on February 20, 2022, a day after the collision.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) charged the police officer with “dangerous driving occasioning death” and “negligent driving occasioning death”.
Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan paused a coronial inquest into Jai’s death in January, referring the matter to the ODPP.
Jai parents Lachlan Wright and Kylie Aloua said on February 20: “We are emotional and relieved that charges have been laid. It’s been two years without our vibrant, beautiful son beside us. He was funny, witty, and loved by so many people.
Karly Warner, CEO of the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) welcomed the “important step towards accountability”, adding, “We are proud to stand with Jai’s family”.
“Jai is one of at least 558 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have died in custody and police operations since the Royal Commission that was meant to stop this national shame.”