The sentencing of an Indian-origin man who killed an Adelaide woman in a high-speed crash has been delayed as his legal team argues he faces religious hardship behind bars.
Bhupinder Singh, 25, pleaded guilty to aggravated causing death by dangerous driving after slamming his Ford Mustang into 40-year-old Christine Sandford’s Holden Commodore at speeds of up to 161km/h on North East Road, Windsor Gardens, in March 2023.
Sandford, who was just minutes from home on a quick trip to buy cooking oil, died after her car was T-boned while exiting a petrol station around 10pm.
Earlier court proceedings revealed Singh failed to help Sandford following the crash, claiming he was in shock after his turban had come off—something his lawyer described as being akin to feeling “naked in public” for a practising Sikh.
It is reported that Singh’s lawyer told the Adelaide District Court his client’s inability to properly observe his faith in prison constitutes undue hardship. The court has now adjourned sentencing until 6 June to consider the argument.
Victim impact statements were also presented, with Sandford’s daughter, Taniesha, tearfully describing the devastating loss of her mother.
“The weight of her absence is something I struggle to carry every day,” she said.
“I used to feel safe. Now, I live in constant anxiety knowing how quickly someone you love can be taken away.”
Judge Paul Muscat told Singh he was driving at speeds between 150 and 161km/h in the moments leading up to the crash and dismissed Singh’s earlier claim to police that he wasn’t speeding.
Singh will return to court next week for further submissions ahead of his sentencing.
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