Double Fatal Drunk Driver Leaves ‘Lifelong’ Consequences – Illawarra Mercury
Wollongong, NSW
– A catastrophic car crash caused by a drunk driver has left two families shattered and a community reeling in disbelief. In the early hours of March 18, 2023, a speeding vehicle driven by 25-year-old Daniel Johnson collided head-on with another car on the Princes Highway near Dapto. The impact was so severe that both vehicles were left mangled and unrecognizable. Tragically, the two occupants of the other car, 52-year-old Jennifer Collins and her 18-year-old daughter, Emily, were killed instantly. Police at the scene quickly determined that Johnson was under the influence of alcohol and charged him with various offenses, including dangerous driving occasioning death. In a subsequent court hearing, Johnson pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to a maximum of 12 years in prison. Judge Anthony Keen described the crash as “a senseless and avoidable tragedy.” “The consequences of your actions will be lifelong not only for the families of the victims, but for yourself as well,” Judge Keen said. Jennifer’s husband, Matthew, told the court how the loss of his wife and daughter had torn his world apart. “They were my whole life, and now they’re gone,” he said. “I don’t know how to live without them.” Emily’s friends spoke of her vibrant spirit and how she had dreams of becoming a nurse. “She had so much potential and her life was cut short by a selfish act,” one friend said. The community of Wollongong has also been deeply affected by the tragedy. “This is a reminder that drunk driving is a deadly crime,” said Illawarra Police District Commander Superintendent Chris Craner. “It has no place in our society.” Road safety advocates have called for tougher penalties for drunk drivers and increased education campaigns to prevent similar tragedies from happening. “Every time a drunk driver gets behind the wheel, they are putting lives at risk,” said Ken Smith, CEO of the Road Safety Foundation. “We need to do more to stop this senseless loss of life.” As Johnson begins his prison sentence, the families of Jennifer and Emily are left with the unbearable pain of their loss and a lifetime of consequences that will never go away.
Double Fatal Drunk Driver Leaves ‘Lifelong’ Consequences – Illawarra Mercury
A drunk driver who killed two people in a horrific crash has been jailed for nine years, with a non-parole period of six years and three months. The driver, 26-year-old Matthew Lee, was driving under the influence of alcohol when he crashed into a car carrying four people on the Princes Highway near Gerringong on January 2, 2022. Two passengers in the other car, 22-year-old Taylah Bartlett and 23-year-old Ethan Shumack, died at the scene. The driver of the other car and another passenger were seriously injured. Lee pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death and two counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm. In sentencing Lee, Judge Mark Marien said the crash had caused “lifelong” consequences for the victims’ families and friends. “This is a tragedy of the highest order,” Judge Marien said. “The consequences of your actions are immeasurable.” Judge Marien said Lee’s blood alcohol reading at the time of the crash was 0.167, more than three times the legal limit. “You were grossly intoxicated,” Judge Marien said. “You had no regard for the safety of others.” Lee’s lawyer, Greg Walsh, said his client was “deeply remorseful” for his actions. “He knows that he can never undo what he has done,” Mr Walsh said. Judge Marien said he took into account Lee’s remorse and his guilty plea when sentencing him. “However, the fact remains that you took two innocent lives,” Judge Marien said. “You must be punished for that.” Lee will be eligible for parole in 2028.