Driver Who Killed Student in Prayer Position on Road in Australia Avoids Prison

Ashton Friend, a 20-year-old driver who struck and killed international student Samia Malik while she was kneeling in a prayer position on a road in Australia and then fled the scene, avoided prison after the court suspended his sentence.

Accident and Trial Process

Ashton Friend, 20, from Banksia Park, pleaded guilty to driving without due care causing the death of 20-year-old international student Samia Malik northeast of Adelaide, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Details of the Incident and Court Findings

The South Australia District Court heard that Malik had been kneeling for about four minutes on North East Road in Hillcrest at around 11:00 PM on May 6, 2025.

Judge Anne Barnett stated that CCTV footage showed Malik's hands in a praying motion, though no further explanation was provided as to why the young woman was on the road.

Defendant's Defense and Statements

It was stated in court that Friend did not see Malik or realize he had hit her while returning from his girlfriend's house.

Defense counsel Jane Abbey KC stated that her client had difficulty understanding what had happened immediately after the collision, was unaware of anything on the road, heard a noise, and hoped he had hit an animal.

Prison Sentence and Suspension Ruling

Judge Barnett sentenced Friend to one year, three months, and 29 days in prison, setting a non-parole period of eight months.

However, the prison sentence was suspended after the 20-year-old driver agreed to sign a bond requiring him to be of good behavior for two years.