KEY POINTS:
The partner of a Tauranga doctor killed by a hit and run driver in Canada is incensed his killer was given parole after serving less than five months of his sentence.
David Higgins, 52, died on June 28 after being struck down by a car driven by 21-year-old Xiao Zhang. He fled the scene of the accident but was caught 10 minutes later by a witness who chased him through the city.
Zhang was sentenced to 11 months in jail last April but was released from prison last week. Dr Higgins's partner, Sandy Bell, said she was baffled by the release.
"It's absolutely horrendous," she said. "It just trashes his life."
Zhang will be under supervision until March, followed by probation.,
He was in Canada with his two daughters, visiting his parents.
- Bay of Plenty Times
