The family of a young girl killed on Airport Road in 2012 addressed an Orangeville court Thursday.
Sarah Harding was only 13 years old when she was struck and killed by a speeding car on Airport Road in Caledon. The driver, 20-year-old Michael Malkowski, was found to be speeding more than 150 km/h in a posted 50 km/h zone.
Malkowski was recently convicted of dangerous driving causing death. During Thursday's sentencing hearing, Sarah’s parents gave emotional victim impact statements.
“I will never heal; I will never be the same. Our family has changed forever,” said Sarah’s mother Susan Fisher in her impact statement. “I was grieving so badly my children had to remind they’re still alive. Just getting in the car without Sarah just made me feel sick and sad.”
The Harding family had just moved into their new house the week before it happened. Sarah was walking along Airport Road with her brother and his friend to buy ice cream when she was struck and killed.
“The memory of that day is thrust into my face each time I pass that spot; debris scattered all over the road. The sight of her broken body lying on the road,” said Sarah’s father Paul Harding in his impact statement. “The loss of Sarah has devastated and changed our lives forever and that can never be fixed.”
Malkowski also spoke in court on Thursday. He faced Sarah’s family and repeatedly apologized for causing her death.
“If I could reverse time I would do everything in my power to prevent this accident from ever happening.” He then added. “Sarah Harding’s death still haunts me every night…if I had one wish I would bring her back without a second thought.”
“I personally wanted to hear he was sorry and we got that, it’s a little bit of closure,” said Sarah’s sister Jennifer Harding outside the courtroom.
The defence also presented a number of character references from Malkowski’s family, friends and employers depicting him as a hard worker, loyal, supportive, and a good driver.
The Crown is asking for an 18-month jail sentence and a five-year licence suspension while the defence is asking for 90 days in jail but only to be served on weekends.
With recent statistics released by the OPP highlighting speeding as the leading cause of death on the roads, the Hardings are hoping the sentence will set a precedent.
“At least take their driver's licence away for a long time,” said Susan Fisher.
“We’re not looking to destroy a life, one has already been destroyed, but he need to be accountable,” said Sarah’s dad.
Malkowski will be sentenced on August 7.
