A Kelowna driver who struck and killed a pedestrian has pleaded guilty.
On Tuesday, at the outset of what was to be a two day trial, 25 year old Ziyazen Hawari made a last minute guilty plea.
In December 2009, Shirley Ching, 81, was crossing Bernard Avenue in downtown Kelowna on a crosswalk and with the walk signal.
She was run over by a pickup truck turning left onto Bernard from a side street.
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Ching died almost instantly of numerous massive injuries including a crushed skull and heart.
Hawari told police at the scene he didn’t see the pedestrian because the sun was in his eyes.
But an RCMP crash analyst discounted that explanation.
In court, Hiwari’s lawyer said his client simply failed to see Ching who was obviously in a crosswalk.
Hawari has pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention.
Outside the courtroom, he apologized to the family of his victim for their loss, but denied any blame, saying it would have happened to any driver in those circumstances.
Laurie deBoer, the victim’s daughter, is glad Hawari is taking responsibility for his actions but doesn’t think he is truly remorseful
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