Final arguments have concluded in Tenessa Nikirk’s trial for dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
The Victoria woman, who is in her early 20s, was behind the wheel of a black Mercedes SUV that struck 11-year-old Leila Bui in the crosswalk on Ash Road at the intersection of Torquay Drive on the morning of Dec. 20, 2017. The collision left Leila with severe brain damage, a fractured neck and a lacerated spleen.
The Crown argued that Nikirk engaged in tailgating, speeding and dangerous passing, and was sending and receiving texts on her cellphone that morning as she headed toward the intersection.
The defence argued that Nikirk might not have been able to see Leila crossing because the girl was obscured by another vehicle and ran into the crosswalk.
A date for Judge Mayland McKimm’s decision will be scheduled on Dec. 10. McKimm expects he will deliver his decision in the new year.
