Joanne Shanahan’s husband forgives young driver responsible for her death

·

The husband of decorated police officer, Joanne Shanahan (nee Panayiotou), has opened up about how he has been able to forgive the young driver who took her life.

Joanne, 55, and mother Tania McNeill, 53, were killed instantly in April 2021 when Harrison Kitt drove through the intersection of Cross Road and Fullarton Road at Urrbrae, south of Adelaide at 167km/h and struck their cars.

Kitt, 21, was found not guilty by reason of mental incompetence. He was sentence to a 10-year limiting term, monitored by both mental health experts and the Parole Board, while living with his parents.

READ MORE: Harrison Kitt to spend 10 years under supervision for crash that killed Joanne Shanahan.

(L) Harrison Kitt. (R) Joanne Shanahan.

After the verdict had been handed down last year, Kitt’s mother Kathy said not a day had passed since the “terrible crash” that her family had not thought about the impact on the victims’ families.

“Their losses are unimaginable; we hope they can find it in their hearts to forgive Harry for what happened even though it might be difficult for them to accept,” Kathy said at the time.

READ MORE: ‘Slap in the face’: Family share grief over Joanna Shanahan’s death.

In a recent interview with 7 News on Sunday night, Joanne’s husband, Peter Shanahan, said he does forgive the young driver for his actions.

“To forgive someone allows yourself to be as good as you can be and to move on and to make the best of your life, which is exactly what Joanne would have wanted,” Peter, who was also in the car crash but survived with minor injuries, said.

“Jo is still alive in my heart and she will be forever and with my kids. So that’s how I’m going to live my life now.”

READ MORE: Adelaide’s Greek community mourns death of Greek-Australian police officer.

Source: 7 News.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

Michael Zannis: The Greek Aussie cricket star redefining blindness

Michael Zannis has turned his ‘disability’ into his superpower. He lives as everyone else does and is thriving.

Greek olive oil today: Production, use and export data

Greek olive oil is consumed in large quantities in Greece today. Still, the small population leaves plenty of oil for export.

Greece ranks fifth highest in Europe for short-term rental prices

Greece has become the fifth most expensive destination in Europe for short-term rentals, with the average nightly rate reaching 250 euros.

Greece cracks down on beach violations amid thousands of complaints

Greek authorities are intensifying efforts to combat illegal beach occupation and protect public access to the coastline.

You May Also Like

The factors for the decline of humanities and Greek studies in the diaspora

In part two, Professor Tamis examines the factors that led to the decline of humanities and Greek studies in the diaspora.

‘Rule of law in classical Sparta’: Miltiadis Paikopoulos to give seminar in Melbourne

Paikopoulos will aim to shed light on Spartan legal culture, in particular that which was present in Sparta during the Classical Period.

Nick Galatas on Australian National Second Division: ‘It’s time’

AAFC Chairman Nick Galatas says that the NPL football system has, for far too long, been limited and disconnected from reaching new heights.