ABC News (AU)

Former police officer Matthew James Kelly sentenced over death of motorcyclist during pursuit

ABC News (AU) logo ABC News (AU) 23.06.2023 10:24:33
Matthew James Kelly expressed remorse over the incident but maintained his innocence. (AAP: Dan Himbrechts)

A former police officer has been sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order over the death of a motorcycle rider during a 2020 police pursuit on the NSW Central Coast. 

Matthew James Kelly was found guilty in April of negligent driving occasioning death.

In 2020, Kelly initiated a pursuit of motorcyclist Jack Roberts, who was riding without lights on and in dark clothing at Blue Haven.

Roberts fled and died after being run over by the police vehicle during the pursuit.

Judge Penelope Hock determined in a judge-only trial that it was proven beyond reasonable doubt that Kelly was driving negligently during the pursuit and his driving caused the death of Mr Roberts.

Judge Hock said in sentencing that Kelly expressed remorse for the death, but maintained his innocence.

She said his actions left a considerable impact on Mr Roberts' family.

"The death of Mr Roberts is of course a loss to those who knew him, but also to our community as a whole," she said.

Jack Roberts' sister, Rebecca, delivered an emotional impact statement to the court.

She told the court that her family's "world stopped and our lives changed forever" when they received the news.

"We didn't just lose a son and brother that night, his daughters were robbed of their future," Ms Roberts said.

She shared that Mr Roberts' two daughters have a pillow with their father's face on it.

"Two little girls who kiss a pillow goodnight instead of their dad," she said.

Speaking directly to Kelly, Ms Roberts said he "robbed" their family.

"You are an offender, and you need to take responsibility for your actions and the consequences that follow," she said.

"You have robbed him, and robbed us.

"Your life will continue, ours will be forever broken."

Judge Hock imposed conditions that Kelly must continue psychiatric treatment for pre-existing PTSD and depression throughout the 12-month period.

Kelly has also been disqualified from driving for 12 months.

vendredi 23 juin 2023 13:24:33 Categories: ABC News (AU)

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