Two years ago, my family’s world was shattered. My brother, a beloved member of our family, became more than just a number in the justice system. He was a vibrant, loving person whose life was tragically cut short. Since that devastating day, we have been living with the pain and deep sense of loss that never leaves a single moment of our lives.

The individual who allegedly caused my brother’s untimely death has been free on bail for nearly two years. While we have had to grapple with the reality of losing a cherished family member, trying to keep his memory alive in our hearts, they have continued their life without the same burden of consequence. Now, as we approach the first significant step towards justice in the courtroom, the possibility that the accused might attend the hearing remotely is inconceivable to us.

In-person attendance at court is not just a formal procedure—it is a vital component of justice that reflects accountability and respect for the legal process. Allowing remote attendance could potentially diminish the gravity of the proceedings and fail to recognize the profound impact the crime has had on victims and their loved ones. It is crucial that the accused face the courtroom, acknowledging the severity of their charges in the presence of those most affected.

Courts have consistently emphasized the significance of being physically present, especially in cases involving severe accusations. In-person hearings ensure that every party involved receives the dignity and seriousness they deserve during such significant processes. The physical presence of the defendant is an affirmation that each life matters and is worthy of due process in its entirety.

We understand that the justice system must balance safety, practicality, and fairness, but allowing the accused to appear virtually could undermine these principles in grave cases such as ours. We urge the judicial authorities to mandate the physical presence of the defendant at this pivotal court hearing.

Help us honor my brother's memory and ensure that justice is served with the gravity it deserves. Your support can make a difference. Sign this petition to require that the accused attends the court hearing in person, underscoring the seriousness of the charges and the profound consequences their actions have had on our family.

Petition: Request for In-Person Attendance at the First Court Hearing

We are asking for the defendant to attend the first court hearing in person

Our family is asking for support following the devastating loss of our beloved brother, Kyle White , who lost his life in a road traffic collision almost two years ago.

Since that day, our family has had to live with a loss that cannot be put into words. While we have been trying to cope with losing someone we love, the person accused of causing his death has remained on bail and has been able to continue living his life.

Now, after almost two years of waiting for this case to reach court, we have been told that the defendant has applied to attend the first hearing by video link.

For our family, this is incredibly difficult to accept.

We understand that there are legal procedures and that the court must make the final decision about how the hearing is conducted. We are not asking for the defendant to be denied a fair trial or for the legal process to be disregarded.

We are asking for the court to consider the devastating circumstances of this case and to require the defendant to attend the first hearing in person.

Our brother cannot walk into that courtroom. He cannot speak for himself. He cannot see justice being pursued for the life he lost.

Our family will have to walk into that courtroom carrying the grief of losing him.

After waiting almost two years for this moment, we believe it is reasonable for us to ask that the defendant physically attend the hearing rather than appearing remotely.

We want our voices, as the family of the deceased, to be heard and our concerns to be properly considered by the prosecution and the court.

We respectfully ask:

That the proposed video-link attendance is reconsidered and that the defendant is required to attend the first magistrates’ court hearing in person, if the court considers that appropriate.

This petition is not about denying the defendant their legal rights. It is about asking for our family’s concerns to be heard and for the court to consider the human impact of what has happened to our family.

Our brother mattered.

His life mattered.

And his family deserves to be heard.

Please sign and share this petition if you support our request.

Thank you to everyone who has stood beside our family, supported us, and continues to remember Kyle White . Your support means more than you know.