Accused killer driver a no-show in Surrey court

He was supposed to have his first court appearance Wednesday morning, but the young man charged in the driving death of Surrey teen Sanjeeve Sharma didn't show up.

Neither did his lawyer.

But Sanjeeve's parents were there, as were his 12-year-old brother, grandparents, uncles and cousins.

They plan to attend every court date of the accused, who was 16 years old when he allegedly crashed his car, killing Sanjeeve, who was a passenger.

"I want him to see our eyes," said Sanjay Sharma, Sanjeeve's father. "Every time he's there, I want him to look at us, because we'll be looking at him."

As a young offender, the driver cannot be named. He's been charged with dangerous driving causing death.

Sanjeeve died June 29, 2009. He was one of two passenger in a white 1999 Chevy Malibu that slammed into an SUV near 128 Street and 82 Avenue in Newton

The teenage driver was reportedly driving erratically before the crash. The other occupants of the Chevy escaped with minor injuries.

Sanjeeve's family wore black T-shirts to Surrey Provincial Court with "The good die young" written on the back and a photo of the hockey-playing 15-year-old old on the front.

Parents Sanjay and Sara were unimpressed – although not entirely surprised – that the teen charged in their son's death didn't attend court Wednesday.

"He's gutless and he's proven it. It's 22 months and he's still not here," Sanjay said, adding there isn't a penalty harsh enough for the accused.

"What's a driving ban going to do? My son's got a life ban. What's jail going to do? You're still eating, you're still watching TV, you're still waking up every morning with a heartbeat. My son does not have that."

Sanjay said he was glad to see criminal charges laid after nearly two years, but said whatever the outcome, the matter won't be one to celebrate.

"We'll never get Sanjeeve back," he said. "But at least it will be an indicator to those out there that want to do this behaviour that this could be the consequence."

Sanjeeve's mom and dad also believe parents of young drivers need to take responsibility for their children. They've been told the driver, although he only had his learner's licence, may have been driving a car purchased and insured by his parents.

Under B.C. law, someone with an "L" permit is only allowed two passengers, one of whom must be an adult aged 25 or older who has a valid licence.

Sanjeeve would have celebrated his high school graduation this spring. The Sharma family intends to provide a scholarship at Princess Margaret Secondary in his honour.

The accused's next court date is April 20.

sreynolds@surreyleader