Sam acknowledged that her apology would not bring the teenagers back and may not give the parents any peace.

“I will carry this feeling (of guilt) to the grave,” she told reporters after court proceedings today.

She said she did not intend to cause the accident, which occurred during the early hours of Feb 18, 2017.

The Court of Appeal freed Sam of a charge of dangerous driving which caused the deaths of the eight teenagers riding modified bicycles.

The appellate court held that the charge under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act was defective.

Sam’s lawyer, Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, also extended his condolences to the families of the victims on behalf of the legal team.

“As we stand to rejoice and appreciate the Court of Appeal’s judgment, our hearts go out to the victims of the unfortunate tragedy.

“No words can describe the suffering endured by the family members,” he said.

On April 13 last year, the Johor Bahru High Court convicted and sentenced Sam to six years’ jail for dangerous driving. She was also fined RM6,000, or six months’ jail in default.

At the conclusion of the appeal to the High Court, Sam was ordered to begin her jail term immediately after her request for bail pending an application for leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal was turned down.

The Court of Appeal granted her leave to appeal and bail one week later.

Sam had posed six questions of law for determination at the appeal, including whether a statement which she made from the dock could be accepted and corroborated by other evidence presented at the trial.

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