Adelaide: A 20-year-old Pakistani international student, Samia Malik, was killed after being struck by a car while kneeling on a road in Adelaide, Australia. The driver, Ashton Jacob Friend, has received a suspended prison sentence and a 10-year driving ban in connection with the fatal hit-and-run.

The incident occurred on North East Road in Hillcrest, in Adelaide’s north-eastern suburbs, at around 11 pm on May 6, 2025. Malik was reportedly seen kneeling in the middle of the road for nearly four minutes before she was struck by Friend’s vehicle.

According to a report published by The Noticer on October 12, 2026, Friend pleaded guilty to causing death by careless use of a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident after causing death. He was sentenced by the South Australian District Court following the proceedings.

CCTV captured moments before fatal collision

Court proceedings heard that CCTV footage showed Malik kneeling on the road in what appeared to be a praying position. Judge Anne Barnett said Friend had approximately 2.25 seconds from the moment his headlights would have detected Malik until the collision.

The court heard that Friend was looking in his rear-view mirror during the critical moments before the crash. He was reportedly driving below the speed limit and was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Friend initially continued driving after the collision, believing he might have hit a kangaroo. He later became aware of the incident after seeing reports about Malik’s death in the news.

The court was told that although the reconstruction evidence suggested the collision might have been avoidable or its impact reduced, the available time to react was limited.

Judge Barnett emphasised the responsibility of motorists to remain vigilant while driving and to respond appropriately after an accident.

Driver receives suspended prison sentence

Friend was sentenced to one year, three months and 29 days in prison, with a non-parole period of eight months. However, the prison sentence was suspended, subject to a two-year good-behaviour bond.

The court considered factors including his age, remorse, prospects for rehabilitation and the circumstances of the offence while determining the sentence.

Friend had submitted an apology acknowledging responsibility for his actions and the suffering caused to Malik’s family. He expressed regret over her death and the grief experienced by her loved ones.

The case has drawn attention to the circumstances surrounding the collision, particularly the decision to leave the scene and the legal consequences of the fatal incident.

Family remembers Samia Malik

Malik’s death has left her family grieving the loss of a young woman whose life had been filled with promise. She had travelled to Australia as an international student and was pursuing her education.

Her family has spoken about the lasting emotional impact of losing her at the age of 20. The loss has also highlighted the challenges faced by families dealing with the sudden death of a loved one far from home.

The sentencing proceedings brought the family’s grief into focus, with the court hearing an apology from Friend and details about the circumstances of the collision.

The incident occurred more than a year before the sentencing, but the proceedings have renewed attention on Malik’s death and the outcome of the case.

Questions remain about why she was on the road

Although CCTV footage showed Malik kneeling on North East Road for several minutes, the court proceedings did not establish a full explanation for why she was in the middle of the road that night.

The circumstances of her presence on the road remain an important unanswered question in the case.

The fatal collision has also underscored the importance of driver attention, road safety and the obligation to stop and respond after an accident.

Friend’s suspended sentence means he will not serve the prison term unless the suspension conditions are breached or the sentence is otherwise activated under the applicable legal process. The case has brought renewed attention to the tragic death of Samia Malik and the lasting impact on her family.