A boy accused of causing the death of a church pastor, dancer and nurse in a horrific triple-fatal crash in Queensland’s Fraser Coast region has faced another court delay after the matter was transferred out of Brisbane.
The 13-year-old, who cannot be identified under Queensland law, is alleged to have been behind the wheel of a stolen car that clipped the back of a Holden sedan on Saltwater Creek Rd in Maryborough, north of Brisbane, on the night of April 30, 2023.
The impact forced the sedan into the path of nurse Sheree Robertson, 52, who was driving back to Hervey Bay after working a shift at Maryborough Hospital.
Ms Robertson died in the crash.
Occupational therapist and church pastor Michale Chandler, 29 and dancer Kelsie Davies, 17, who were in the Holden sedan, were also killed.
A third person in the sedan, Kaylah Behrens, was left fighting for life in hospital.
The boy was due to be arraigned in Brisbane District Court on Thursday on a raft of charges, including dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and grievous bodily harm.
But proceedings were sent back to the local region after the court was told of more delays, including a psychiatric report still being needed.
The child’s Legal Aid solicitor said subpoenas had been sent to the state’s health and education departments for records concerning their client.
Crown prosecutor Ashleigh Worthington asked for video links to be organised in Maryborough, saying counsel could appear from the court there for a proposed arraignment in two weeks.
“This offending did originate in Maryborough and there are a number of family members of the deceased (persons) who wish to be present by video link to hear the plea being entered,” Ms Worthington said.
“It’s the party’s intentions if the young person is arraigned ahead of that April sittings, the matter will be in a position to proceed to sentence in July sittings in the Maryborough list.”
Maryborough’s District Court is not due to sit until April, the court was told.
Ms Worthington said it would take additional time for a specialist psychiatric report on the child regarding a brain injury to be prepared.
The child is being held in youth detention in Brisbane.
“Is that what’s proposed? He’s (the boy) going to be here without counsel?” Judge Deborah Richards asked.
“That’s not happening, that’s ridiculous.”
Judge Richards organised for the boy to be arraigned in Hervey Bay District Court on March 26.
He was remanded in custody.
