Mike Hall's mother says she forgives driver involved in fatal collision

Mike Hall’s mother says there is “no blame, no anger and no recriminations,” after she attended the inquest into her son’s death. Referring to the driver involved in the fatal collision, she said: “I forgave him and asked him to try to move on and find a way forward to look after his young family and to have a good life.”

In March last year, Hall was competing in the inaugural Indian Pacific Wheel Race when he was hit from behind by a vehicle driven by Shegu Bobb near Canberra.

Bobb has faced no charges in connection with the collision. An inquest closed this week with the coroner’s findings due to be published early next year.

Hall’s partner, Anna Haslock, has strongly criticised the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for its “flawed investigation” of his death.

She specifically mentioned the AFP failing to retain vital evidence such as Mike’s clothing and failing to retain the driver's phone at the time of the incident.

Hall’s mother, Patricia, also attended the inquest. Writing on Facebook, she said: “I came half way across the world for my boy. I attended the inquest and sat for three days listening to the evidence. I knew whatever the findings will be that I have to live with it. There is no blame, no anger and no recriminations.

“I went for my son, who always asked people to be kind to each other and have empathy. I saw a young lad with fear in his eyes, with sorrow in his heart and I took him in my arms and held him tight as he sobbed that he was sorry for what he had done.

“I hugged him and his girlfriend, told him I forgave him and asked him to try to move on and find a way forward to look after his young family and to have a good life. I came to Australia to find answers and I did; I found the answer. All around in the courtroom I saw destructive anger that is negative. I saw people so wrapped up in their own need that it destroyed what my son stood for.

“But I also saw incredible steadfastness and the ability to reach out and have compassion. I came away with clarity. I had done what Mike would have done. I forgave.”