Northland crash: Mother of Kaikohe victim forgives teen driver who killed her daughter

Staci Walkley, 11, was described as humble, caring and full of love. She died in the crash in Kaikohe on August 6.

A Northland mother who lost her 11-year-old “guardian angel” in a car crash said she forgave the young driver responsible and accepted him as part of her family.

The unique outpouring of love was expressed at the sentencing of the 18-year-old on Wednesday for charges relating to a two-car crash in Kaikohe on August 6.

Staci Walkley, 11, died at the scene and five others were injured.

An 18-year-old later accepted a charge of dangerous driving causing death, and five charges of dangerous driving causing injury.

According to the summary of facts, he drove straight through a stop sign, hitting the car that was carrying Staci and the other victims, causing it to roll several times.

The teenager also accepted a charge of driving with sustained loss of traction for a burnout performed in the moments leading up to the crash.

The car he was driving had no warrant of fitness nor registration, and the front-seat passenger was a 13-year-old.

As part of the Kaikohe Youth Court process, the 18-year-old, his whānau and the victim’s whānau took part in a family group conference.

The court heard how the process was like a miracle, as the forgiveness shown by Staci’s family demonstrated “unconditional love”.

Staci’s mother Candice Walkley forgave the teenager and hugged him as soon as she saw the guilt he was carrying, the court was told.

At the sentencing, Candice Walkley told a packed courtroom that Staci was truly unique for her happiness and lack of anger.

Staci Walkley, 11, was was described as humble, caring and full of love. She died in the crash in Kaikohe on August 6.

“From the day Staci was born, she was full of smiles. She was humble, caring and full of love; always helping others,” she said.

“If she could’ve healed the whole world, she would have ... She was our guardian angel here on earth.”

Candice Walkley said the whānau chose love and forgiveness for the teenager responsible, as Staci would have wanted.

“I wish you nothing but the very best in your journey and your future,” she told the teen.

“I already know that you are going to have a bright and beautiful future; you’re capable of amazing change.

“No more looking backwards from this day forward.”

The proceedings through Kaikohe Youth Court included a family group conference. Photo / NZME

Candice Walkley told the teenager she loved him and accepted him as part of her family.

“We stand in unity with our angel,” she said.

Judge Brandt Shortland praised both whānau: the victim’s whānau for offering forgiveness and the defendant’s whānau for accepting responsibility and being willing to support him to change.

“This is a very rare situation to get two whānau like this in this sort of scenario,” he said.

While he had seen many cases where someone had died due to the reckless actions of a young person, he had never seen whānau respond in such a way.

“I’ve never seen this before – that’s a compliment. You’ve risen above the human feelings, that’s amazing.”

In sentencing, Judge Shortland considered the fact the 18-year-old did not deny the charges, and that he apologised and showed remorse.

The only aggravating factor was the burnout in the moments preceding the crash.

The teen was sentenced to six months’ supervision, which included attending a course, attending counselling and staying off drugs and alcohol.

He was also disqualified from driving until December.

Judge Shortland granted permission for the Northern Advocate to report on the sentencing in the Youth Court – where publication is normally banned – provided the 18-year-old’s name, identifying details and names of the injured victims were not published.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.