A professional truck driver responsible for the crash that killed school teacher Melissa Bond has written a heartbreaking apology letter to her family and friends.
Ms Bond, a 25-year-old PE teacher at John Therry Catholic High School in Rosemeadow, was driving home from work when her car collided head-on with a refrigerated truck between Campbelltown and Appin, south west of Sydney on March 21 last year.
She died at the scene of the crash.
Christopher Childs, a 46-year-old meat delivery driver from Shoalhaven, was on Tuesday sentenced to at least six months behind bars.
Judge David Arnott found his “momentary inattention and failure to maintain proper control of his vehicle” had caused the crash. He also disqualified Childs from holding a driver’s licence for three years.
“I am so sorry for your loss, I’m so sorry for what happened to Melissa,” Childs said in a handwritten letter addressed to the Bond family and witnessed by the Mercury.
“My actions have taken a beautiful human being and soul from you all, all too soon.”
“Melissa had her whole life ahead of her with all you and now she is no longer able to walk amongst you or be there for you or touch you. I’m so sorry for what I have taken from you all.”
He added: “I will always remember what I have done to Melissa for the rest of my life, how this has hurt so many people who have to now live their lives without her.”
The letter formed part of a number of documents given to Campbelltown District Court during sentencing proceedings.
Melissa Bond, 25, was a physical education teacher at John Therry Catholic High School in Rosemeadow.
Speaking outside court, Ms Bond’s mother, Amanda, declined to comment on Childs’ sentence.
“Today’s decision doesn’t actually change anything for our family, we still live with this every day,” she said.
“It’s just a reminder to people to pay attention on the road, that the consequences [of not paying attention] can be severe and unfortunately for our family, we’re the ones who are paying the price for this.”
She also thanked the communities of Thirroul and Rosemeadow for their ongoing support.
