The parents of a 16-year-old Aboriginal boy tragically killed in a collision with an unmarked police vehicle in 2022 have presented their victim impact statements in court. This follows the conviction of NSW Police Sergeant Benedict Bryant for dangerous driving causing death last year.
The proceedings took place in a crowded Sydney courtroom as the family awaited sentencing for the convicted officer. It is important to note that this article may contain references that could be distressing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers, as it discusses the life of a deceased individual.
Jai Kalani Wright, a Dhungutti boy, lost his life in February 2022 when the allegedly stolen motorbike he was riding collided with Sergeant Bryant’s vehicle in Alexandria, a suburb of Sydney. During the sentencing hearing at Downing Centre, Jai’s mother, Kylie Aloua, delivered an emotional victim impact statement, expressing that her grief is an unending presence in her life.
“Since that day, I’ve changed entirely. I isolate myself and find it difficult to leave my home… how can one show strength when they feel utterly broken?” she stated. “Jai will never grow up, never have children… I have lost my son, my sense of safety, and my peace.” She further shared that Jai was cherished by his school community, with only a memorial left to mark his absence.
Sergeant Bryant was found guilty of dangerous driving causing death in November of the previous year. The ruling by NSW District Court Judge Jane Culver highlighted that Bryant was operating an unmarked police car without activating his lights or sirens, effectively creating an unauthorized roadblock, and disregarding a police directive not to pursue the motorcycle.
In her statement, Ms. Aloua noted that despite Bryant’s lack of remorse or acknowledgment of his actions, she does not seek a prison sentence for him. “I do not wish for your family to endure the loss we are experiencing,” she expressed. “I urge the court to understand the profound impact of Jai’s loss on me and my sons… he was significant, not just another statistic.” She continues to work at the hospital where Jai passed away, facing the daily reminder of her loss, yet finds solace in knowing that Jai’s organs donated after his death have saved three lives.
Jai’s father, Lachlan Wright, also shared a poignant victim statement, recalling a personal tragedy. “At 20, I lost my first cousin, also named Jai, to murder,” he said, his voice wavering with emotion. “We named our son in his memory. Jai was meant to stay with us forever.” He lamented the profound changes in his life since Jai’s passing, noting that his children will grow up without Jai’s love and warmth. “This loss will never fade for us… we are now a family missing the glue that held us together. We will never have our Jai Jai again,” he added.
Crown prosecutor Phillip Strickland SC articulated that Bryant’s actions were exceptionally dangerous and that he should have been aware of the risks involved in creating a roadblock. “The offender should have reasonably recognized that driving his vehicle into the intersection, effectively forming a roadblock, posed a serious risk of a catastrophic collision,” he asserted.
In contrast, Bryant’s defense attorney, Brent Haverfield, argued that the officer was fulfilling his duties and that the incident was a momentary lapse in judgment. “He was not in pursuit… he was engaged in a task he felt responsible for but misjudged,” he explained.
Legal analysts have noted that this case marks a significant moment, as it is reportedly the first conviction of a police officer for the death of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander individual in custody-related incidents. This week also commemorates 35 years since the pivotal Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody released its report, which has since seen over 630 First Nations individuals die in police or prison custody.
Judge Culver concluded the session by emphasizing the necessity of thorough consideration in this case, acknowledging the tremendous loss experienced by Jai’s family and community. The court is set to reconvene for the next hearing on Friday, June 5.
