Hit-and-run victim's partner hails fugitive's capture

Canadian man Xiao Sean Zhang, who is behind bars after killing Kiwi Dr David Higgins in a hit-and-run. Photo / Supplied

Kiwi doctor David Higgins was struck down and killed by a hit-and-run driver. The man served just five months in a Canadian jail.

Now, his grieving partner is celebrating as the man is put behind bars again - this time, for a bizarre catalogue of alleged robberies and con jobs.

Higgins, 51, died in 2006 after being struck by a car in Vancouver. His young daughter Sian was at his side.

The driver, Xiao Zhang, fled the scene but was later caught and sentenced to 11 months' imprisonment.

However Higgins' partner, Tauranga school teacher Sandi Bell, was outraged to learn Zhang had been released after serving half his sentence.

Now Zhang, 25, has been remanded in prison awaiting trial on 33 fresh charges, including robbery, fraud and driving while prohibited.

Zhang was one of Canada's most wanted fugitives.

"I am glad this man has been caught because there is so much pain that gets inflicted when there is someone like that out there," Bell told the Herald on Sunday.

"It was inevitable that other people would suffer the consequences of him being free."

Zhang ran over Higgins, voted Tauranga's best GP in 2004, on a pedestrian crossing and left him dying in the street.

Higgins and his two daughters were in Vancouver to visit his parents, who were celebrating their 80th birthdays.

"I am sure it will be such a relief for them to know the world is now a bit of a safer place," Bell said.

Higgins was her soul-mate.

"I have never been interested in another relationship," she said. "I just can't."