The 17-year-old allegedly behind the wheel of a Land Cruiser that struck and killed a pregnant couple walking their dogs has been slapped with more offences, confirming he was intoxicated at the time of the tragic crash.
But the youth offender won’t face a specific charge for potentially causing the death of the couple’s unborn child, who the family recently revealed was to be named Miles.
The teen was already facing two counts of murder, burglary, dangerous operation of a vehicle and attempted unlawful use of a car.
And on Tuesday, Queensland Police Service added charges including driving while intoxicated, two counts of leaving the scene of a traffic accident, and driving with a disqualified license.
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Kate Leadbetter, 31, and partner Matty Field, 37, were walking their dogs on Australia Day when they were tragically killed by an allegedly stolen car around the corner from their home in Alexandra Hills.
The horrific incident both devastated and infuriated the nation, with many questioning how an innocent couple and blossoming family were allegedly struck down by a minor reportedly on bail despite facing multiple dangerous driving offences.
Police indicated at the time of the initial investigation that it would be pursuing charges related to the death of the unborn baby, but Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd said on Tuesday that legal experts advised authorities that the killing of an unborn child is not available under the provisions of the criminal code.
“The death of unborn baby Miles will be presented as an aggravating element of the murder charge relating to death of his mother Kate,” Assistant Commissioner Codd said.
“This advice has been provided to the families and we will continue to support and engage with them throughout our investigation and subsequent court proceedings.”
The new charges were announced about an hour after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk revealed a raft of new youth crime penalties for repeat offenders in response to the death of Kate and Matt.
“It is absolutely heartbreaking and I know that every Queensland family out there feels for the tragic loss of these people,” she said on Tuesday of the couple’s death.
“Families have been shattered and lives have been lost. And that is why today we are taking very strong action.”
The teen is next due to face the Brisbane Children’s Court on February 15.
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2021-02-09 02:37:30Z
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