Source : Perth Now news
A “morally reprehensible” serial hoon who caused a deadly crash and then fled the scene could be released from prison in a little more than three years.
Grant Andrew Crawford, 55, went on the run for several days after the crash on a highway in Tasmania’s northwest on December 15, 2023.
He had been released from prison less than six months earlier after serving one year for a host of offences including road rule breaches.
Crawford was disqualified from driving when he got behind the wheel of a stolen blue Holden, which was missing windows including the rear window.
He drove a total of 38.5km, starting on a rural road and speeding through roadworks.
One of the workers tried to stop Crawford by parking his car in front of him, but Crawford rammed the car, drove off the road and smashed through gates to keep going.
He made it onto a highway, clipping a trailer being towed by a man operating a lawn mowing business.
That set off a sequence of events that killed Retnakumar Kuppusami and left Suresh Rajakumar with lifelong injuries.
The pair were part of a group of 10 motorcyclists from Malaysia who were all wearing appropriate clothing and helmets.
Mr Kuppusami, a much-loved father and husband, was flung into the air during the crash and died at the scene.
Save for a minor cut to the face, Crawford was not injured.
“You fled the scene and did not check on the welfare of anyone … or seek to render any assistance,” Justice Tamara Jago said as she sentenced him in the Supreme Court of Tasmania on Tuesday.
“You showed no care for anyone but yourself.
“To run off without offering any assistance is morally reprehensible.”
Crawford had an “appalling” criminal record beginning in 1989 when he was a teenager, and a dreadful driving history, Justice Jago said.
He had breached drug and alcohol driving laws, evaded police, been caught speeding multiple times and been disqualified from driving on 25 occasions, tallying up to 20 years of disqualification.
Crawford had 40 convictions for stealing, as well as dozens of fraud-related convictions.
He had previously been given opportunities for rehabilitation but didn’t take them, Justice Jago said.
Crawford had a history of drug use and it was highly likely he was under the influence at the time of the crash, Justice Jago said.
He pleaded guilty in July to multiple charges including dangerous driving causing death and dangerous death causing grievous bodily harm, after earlier pleading not guilty to manslaughter.
Crawford was sentenced to nine years’ jail, starting from when he was taken into custody in December 2023.
He will be eligible for release after serving six years, meaning he could be freed in December 2029.
He will be disqualified from driving for six years after his release.
