Canada's highest court has refused to hear an appeal by young man who allegedly hit and killed a child with his car on his 18th birthday.

The decision on Thursday by the Supreme Court of Canada means that Brandon Pardi will be tried as an adult for the October 2007 death of Bianca Leduc.

Pardi's trial has been on hold while his defence lawyer Pierre Joyal argued that, since the accident occurred on the day of his birthday, he should be tried in youth court.

"Our interpretation was that within the first 24 hours, the juvenile court had jurisdiction," said Joyal.

The Quebec Superior Court and the Quebec Court of Appeal both rejected Pardi's arguments, prompting his lawyers to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada, which refused to hear the case.

As usual, the Supreme Court did not give the reasons for its decision not to hear the appeal.

The decision not to hear the appeal will have a huge impact on Pardi, should he be found guilty.

As a youth, Pardi faced a maximum of three years in jail.

As an adult, he could face life in prison for criminal negligence causing death, though legal experts like Jeffrey Boro say his young age could play in his favor if he's found guilty.

"It's his first day of being elligible to be judged by the criminal court, the judge will take that into consideration," said Boro. "They always take into consideration the young age, the fact he's a first offender, any other fact mitigating in his favor."

The accident

On Hallowe'en 2007, three-year-old Bianca Leduc was helping to put up decorations in her babysitter's yard in Ile-Perrot.

Police said Pardi and an under-age friend were driving two separate cars. Police say one driver slowed at a stop sign, and the other slammed him from behind, sending both vehicles careening onto the babysitter's lawn and killing the young girl.

Bianca's mother is still grief-stricken.

"I'm glad he's being tried as an adult, but it doesn't bring back my daughter," said Nadine Leduc.

In fact, as the second anniversary of her daughter nears, the pain once again becomes unbearable.

"Bianca is in peace where she is," said Leduc. "But we're still suffering. We want Pardi to pay."

Charges

Both Pardi and his underage friend faced charges of dangerous driving causing death and criminal negligence causing death.

Pardi's preliminary hearing begins Nov. 16 in Valleyfield.