Family members of two teenagers who lost their lives in a crash on the Barton Highway last January have shared their grief and heartbreak during a sentencing hearing at the ACT Supreme Court. The 14-year-old driver, who was behind the wheel of a stolen car, ran a red light and collided with a ute, leading to the tragic deaths of his passengers.
The driver pleaded guilty earlier this year to two counts of culpable driving causing death. One of the victims, a 19-year-old, died shortly after the crash as emergency services rushed the injured to hospital. The second boy, who suffered catastrophic injuries, died in a Sydney hospital eight months later.
During Monday’s proceedings, the mother of the older victim told the court she has been left with many “what if” questions, questioning why her son was in that situation. “I am numb and struggling to live,” she said, describing the profound impact of her loss. The boy’s family spent months in Sydney, by his hospital bedside, before his passing.
Additional evidence presented in court included a crash expert who stated that it appeared the brakes were applied at the scene, although no skid marks were found on the road. A police report indicated that the car was traveling at between 57 and 60 kilometres per hour at the time of impact, with the ute moving at a similar speed. This is below the area’s speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour, highlighting how tragic circumstances can unfold even at moderate speeds.
The court’s decision will determine the appropriate sentence for the driver, whose actions have left a lasting scar on the families and community. The case underscores the devastating consequences of reckless driving and stolen vehicles.
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