Street-racing death trial underway in Surrey

The trial for a man charged with the street-racing death of an 83-year-old great grandfather has gotten underway in Surrey, B.C.Surrey senior Pritam Benning was hit while waiting for a bus on Sept. 17, 2009.Gurjit Dhillon, 28, is charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death in the incident.It’s alleged Dhillon was street racing in his black Corvette when he hit a car, lost control and struck both the bus stop and Benning. The Crown claims he was racing against a yellow Corvette, but the driver of that car has never come forward.Benning died in hospital five days later.Police testified Wednesday that Dhillon turned himself in immediately after the crash.Members of Benning’s family were in court as the trial opened.“There is a lot of anger,” the victim’s son, Manjit Benning, said later. “It’s hard to lose a parent and it’s even harder to lose them like that.”

Gurjit Dhillon leaves court in Surrey, B.C., Wednesday.(CBC)Benning said the family is still hoping the driver of the other car will turn himself in.“Maybe he doesn’t have a [conscience]. Somebody died and he doesn’t stick around or contact police later on.”Later this week, the court is expected to hear a recording of the 911 call Dhillon made to police after Benning was hit.With files from the CBC’s Renee Filippone