five days out from Christmas ...tragedy.

[fuzzywuzzy]

A DRIVER allegedly drank 12 stubbies at a Christmas party and did burnouts before he lost control of his car and mowed down a little boy playing in his front yard.

Police allege Gary Edward Ryan, 25, a father of two from Morwell, recorded a blood-alcohol level of .166 - more than three times the legal limit.

Moments before the crash Mr Ryan did burnouts in his Holden Berlina as his mates cheered him on, police claim.

Six-year-old Bangoang Tut was playing with his family at their Morwell home when tragedy struck on Sunday evening.

Only days after finishing prep with flying colours, the cheeky boy was showing all the signs that he had finally settled into his new life in Australia after arriving from war-torn Sudan four years ago.

Neighbours described the horrifying moments that followed the crash as family members tried to save Bangoang.



"His mother was frantic. I tried calming her down," neighbour Tracy Bird said.

Paramedics said Bangoang was conscious and lying on the ground at the Crinigan Rd house. He was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but died a short time later.

It is believed the stricken family had to be restrained from confronting the partygoers nearby.

Bangoang's mother and two teenagers were also treated for minor injuries.

A passenger in the car, a man in his 20s, also suffered minor injuries.

Mr Ryan was remanded in custody yesterday, charged with culpable driving.

He did not appear at a brief hearing in the Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court.

His lawyer, who did not apply for bail on his behalf, said it was feared Mr Ryan could try to harm himself while in custody.

His partner, Kathleen Wasmayr, said: "Gary is extremely distraught. He has two boys of his own. No words can describe how any of us feel," she said.

"I am so sorry for what has happened."

Police alleged that in the moments before the smash, two men had lifted the back of Ryan's car up to assist in a burnout.

It is estimated he was travelling between 50 and 80km/h when he lost control of the car.

Supt Neville Taylor, of Gippsland police, said it was a heartbreaking tragedy.

"I can't tell you how disappointed I am about this," Supt Taylor said.

"Our people have worked so hard on this and fair dinkum, if the community can't get it, we can't do it alone.

"This didn't need to happen.

"Drivers have to stop and start really thinking about what we are saying."

Bangoang's uncle B.J. Kour said his nephew was a happy boy who was doing well at Morwell Primary School.

"He was known to be a friendly child especially to his neighbours and classmates, and received a report this year of very good effort and excellent class behaviour," he said.

"Bangoang's death has been a very big shock for his family, neighbours and wider community," he said.

"The sheer unexpectedness and tragedy of the situation have been very difficult to bear."

Gippsland Multicultural Services manager Lisa Sinha said Bangoang was a "lively child" who was doing well in school.

The family had been among the first Sudanese to move from Melbourne to Morwell in 2006. "They would have escaped (Sudan) and fled all sorts of horrors there," she said. "For this to happen, it's just amazing."

Mr Ryan was remanded until March 16.


Burnourts and booze to blame, police allege | Herald Sun



God I hope He gets a hard time in Remand. and Yes I do mean that.

[mrsK]

fuzzywuzzy;1274902 wrote: Burnourts and booze to blame, police allege | Herald Sun



God I hope He gets a hard time in Remand. and Yes I do mean that.


Time will tell Fuzz.

Probably get a slap on the wrist.

I would love to see him get what he deserves as well.

Not only him but anyone who murders or harms children:-1