The sister of a woman tragically killed by a speeding teenage driver has expressed profound disillusionment with the justice system after the youth was sentenced to a minimum of just two years’ detention.
In a devastating collision in Maryborough on Queensland’s Fraser Coast in 2023, nurse Sheree Robertson, 52, Kelsie Davies, 17, and pastor Michale Chandler, 29, lost their lives when their vehicles were struck by a stolen car driven by a 13-year-old boy. A fourth victim, 23-year-old Kaylah Behrens, suffered critical injuries in the crash.
On Thursday, the youth received a six-year detention sentence, but he is expected to be released in slightly over two years. Outside the courtroom, Lisa Latimer, sister of Sheree Robertson, voiced her frustration, stating her belief that the teen showed “no remorse” for his actions.
“There’s no faith in the justice system anymore,” Latimer lamented. “How much is my sister’s life, plus the other girls’ lives, worth? It’s just not fair. We anticipated a short sentence, but we were hoping for more.”
The courtroom was filled with friends and family of the victims as Judge Gary Long concluded a sentencing hearing that had begun in November. He described the youth’s actions as leading to “catastrophic events” and “horrendous consequences” stemming from his “egregious behavior.”
Now aged 14, the Bundaberg youth appeared via video link from custody, dressed in a white long-sleeved shirt. He had previously pleaded guilty to several charges, including dangerous operation of a vehicle causing three deaths and grievous bodily harm while speeding. Additionally, he admitted to receiving stolen property, two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, stealing, and unlicensed driving.
On April 30, 2023, the youth, along with other juveniles, stole a Mercedes-Benz from a Maryborough home and drove it at alarming speeds between 180 km/h and 200 km/h. Judge Long noted that the alleged co-offenders had exited the vehicle, fearing for their safety due to the reckless driving. In a span of 10 minutes covering approximately 12 kilometers, the youth was seen crossing double lines and narrowly avoiding other vehicles before colliding with the victims’ Holden Astra sedan, which was forced into oncoming traffic.
The sentence has left the families of the victims grappling with their grief and questioning the adequacy of justice rendered in the wake of such a profound loss.
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