A teenager who caused a horror crash which critically injured a young mum, has avoided jail.The 17-year-old disqualified driver ran a red light at Edgeworth in 2020 and slammed into a maxi taxi – seriously injured seven people.Mother of three Tamika Weaver was thrown from the van and left with lifelong injuries.Today a Children’s Court heard the now 18-year-old is remorseful for his actions and recognises the harm he’s caused.
Since the crash, he’s found employment and reconnected with his indigenous roots – and according to his solicitor has “turned his life around”.
The police prosecutor argued the seriousness of the crash shouldn’t be overlooked telling the Children’s Court the teenager was not only disqualified from driving at the time, but was speeding and had alcohol in his system when he went through the red light.
That was accepted by the magistrate – who also noted the steps taken by the teen since – telling him “If you continue on the path you are on, you are going to be a success story.” “Morally you owe a debt to society to continue what you are doing.”He was handed a 17-month suspended control order – and disqualified from driving for 12 months.
