Driver pleads guilty over death of top cop's son

Commissioner Grant Stevens became emotional after hearing guilty pleas over his son's death. (Abe Maddison/AAP PHOTOS)

A teenager has pleaded guilty to causing the death of SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens' son Charlie by careless driving.

In Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Dhirren Singh Randhawa, 18, pleaded guilty to one aggravated count of driving without due care.

Randhawa's guilty plea on that charge, and a separate charge of leaving  the scene of a crash after causing death, were accepted by prosecutors, who withdrew charges of dangerous driving causing death and failing to answer a question of identity regarding the driver of a vehicle.

Dhirren Randhawa (file image)
Dhirren Randhawa pleaded guilty to careless driving causing death and leaving the crash scene.

The Encounter Bay teen struck Charlie Stevens, 18, with his car in Goolwa on November 17 last year, during schoolies week.

Mr Stevens and his family were present in court for proceedings and outside court, the commissioner became emotional as he commented on the development.

"Today we have come to the magistrates court and we heard Dhirren plead guilty to aggravated due care causing death and leaving the scene of the collision," he said.

"This is one step in the process, there are a few more steps to go so I think it would be appropriate to say more at a later point in time.

"I think on behalf of our family we'd like to acknowledge that Dhirren has taken responsibility for his actions, that saw us lose our son Charlie. We've also been handed a letter of apology and we'll take time to read that. Thank you for your understanding."  

Sophie, Dylan, Josh and Tom Stevens at a service (file image)
More than 1000 mourners paid their respects to Charlie Stevens at a memorial service.

Charlie Stevens died in hospital surrounded by friends and family, including his father, the following night.

More than 1000 mourners paid their respects to the apprentice tradie at an emotional memorial service at the Adelaide Oval later that month.

Randhawa was remanded on continuing bail to appear in the District Court in August for arraignment and sentencing.

He faces a maximum 12-month prison term and minimum six-month licence disqualification for the careless driving offence.

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store