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Your support makes all the difference.The mother of three children killed by an alleged drink-driver has said she forgives the man who was behind the wheel of the 4x4 which tore her family apart.
Antony, Angelina and Sienna Abdallah were walking along a pavement in northern Sydney when the vehicle mounted the curb and crashed into them on Saturday.
All three died at the scene, along with their cousin Veronique Sakr, who was also with them. Three other children in the group were injured in the crash, which took place around 8pm.
The victims, who were aged between nine and 13, were on their way to buy ice cream.
Police in Sydney have arrested the driver, Samuel Davidson, and charged him with 20 offences including manslaughter and driving under the influence.
According to local media reports, Mr Davidson was given a breathalyser test by police at the scene of the crash and was found to be three times over the legal limit for alcohol.
But Leila Geagea Abdallah, the mother of the three siblings, told reporters she did not hate the man responsible.
“I don’t hate him. I think in my heart I forgive him, but I want the court to be fair, right, it’s all about fairness,” she said.
“So I’m not going to hate him, cause that’s not who we are and it’s not what our religion tells us. I forgive him, but I want it to be fair.”
She was speaking while at a makeshift memorial on the pavement, where flowers, teddy bears and cards had been left in tribute to the four victims.
“I am sad. I am heartbroken, but I’m at peace cause I know my kids are in a better place,” Ms Abdallah said.
“My kids are angels. They are right now with us, I can feel them. I’ve got goosebumps, I can feel them touching me and telling me that they are with us and are working for God.”
The 10-year-old brother of Antony, Angelina and Sienna, was also hurt in the crash and is in a serious but stable condition at hospital. Two other girls who were with the group are also recovering from more minor injuries.
The children’s father, Danny Abdallah, urged drivers to take care. “I don’t know what to say. I’m numb. All I want to say is: please, drivers, be careful.
“These kids were just walking innocently, enjoying each other’s company... and this morning I woke up and I have lost three kids.”
All seven children had been staying at his house, Mr Abdallah told reporters, and he had told them they could go to the shops if they stayed together.
“This is one in a million. They were just walking on the footpath.”
In a statement, Veronique’s grieving family said they had been “devastated” by the loss of their “beautiful girl”.
“Veronique was a vibrant 11-year-old girl, full of life, love and had a maturity well beyond her young years. Veronique brought us all such joy and will be forever remembered. Veronique will remain in our hearts always.”
Mr Davidson has been refused bail while he awaits his next court date, but has not yet entered a plea in response to the charges.
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