The sister of one of the five teenage boys killed in a horror crash in Timaru says the driver's punishment is nothing compared to that of the friends and family of those that died.
Jorja Goodger said Fleming's decisions that night had caused hurt beyond words. Photo: NZ Herald / George Heard
Tyreese Stuart Fleming, 20, was today sentenced in the Timaru High Court to two years and six months imprisonment over the 2021 crash.
In her victim impact statement to the court, the sister of Andrew Goodger, Jorja Goodger, said when she saw her 15-year-old brother's body she knew her life was going to be hell without him.
She told Fleming his decisions that night had caused hurt beyond words.
"You may think you have the shitty side of things, but believe me you don't. I have to wake up every single day knowing I'll never see my brother again, nor that big cheeky smile of his. Whatever your punishment is, just know that isn't even half of the punishment we get with the life long sentence of not having our loved ones back."
Jorja Goodger said Andrew had health challenges when he was young, and dreamed of becoming a paramedic so he could help others.
His mother, Andrea Goodger, said Andrew was born with a hole in his heart and had pulmonary atresia, so needed to undergo four operations over his life.
Andrea Goodger (Mum of Andrew) reads her impact statement 29 June 2022. Photo: NZ Herald / George Heard
She said he was a fun boy who loved busking, surfing, skateboarding, skiing and magic tricks.
The reality of her son's death did not sink in until his funeral, she said.
"I have a strong Christian faith so I know one day I will have to find forgiveness, but I don't know when that will be."
Andrew's father, Richard Goodger, said it was sheer hell the night his son never came home, and since then his life was a hell-hole.
Richard Goodger Photo: NZ Herald / George Heard
He said he had no interest in celebrating Christmas, and would never celebrate Andrew's birthday again.
Unable to continue with reading his statement, his daughter took over for him.
She said her father had suffered emotionally and physically and had had multiple seizures from the stress of the loss.
His statement said his son was a perfect young lad in the prime of his life.
Tyreese Fleming Photo: NZ Herald / George Heard