Killer's family expresses their sorrow

Bio O'Brien in Auckland District Court. Photo / NZPA pool

The family of Jasmatbhai Patel's alleged killer have written to the grieving widow and children, expressing sorrow at their loss.

Unitec civil engineering student Bio O'Brien, 27, appeared in the Auckland District Court on Thursday charged with assaulting Patel. More serious charges are likely to be laid.

O'Brien, who is married with a 2-year-old daughter, will reappear in court on April 27. He is alleged to have taken Patel from his van and attacked him after a minor car accident on Carrington Rd, Mt Albert on April 8.

O'Brien's family said yesterday they had sent a letter to Patel's family, through police, to say they were sorry for their loss.

Classmates of O'Brien described him as a quiet student, and the incident as "a bloody shame".

"When I watched the TV and saw him in the dock I was shocked," said one. "He was fairly diligent - I was really surprised."