Arabic version: سجن سائق من تسمانيا بسبب حادث دراجات نارية مميت في يولا

According to ABC News, Grant Andrew Crawford has been sentenced to nine years in prison after dangerous driving in 2023 killed Retnakumar Kuppusami and grievously injured Suresh Rajakumar near Yolla in Tasmania’s north-west.

Crawford, 55, was sentenced by the Supreme Court of Tasmania in Hobart on Tuesday. He pleaded guilty in July to dangerous driving causing Mr Kuppusami’s death and the grievous bodily harm of Mr Rajakumar, as well as other violence and driving charges.

The crash occurred on December 15, 2023, when Crawford drove a stolen car into a tour group of 10 Malaysian motorcyclists before fleeing. He had been disqualified from driving and had been released from prison about six months earlier.

Justice Tamara Jago described the offending as “morally incomprehensible”, saying Crawford showed no care for anyone but himself. She said Mr Kuppusami was a much-loved husband and father, while Mr Rajakumar continues to experience constant pain and difficulties walking and working.

Justice Jago said Crawford had driven dangerously for about 38 kilometres before the collision, including through a worksite, and had more than 40 driving offence convictions. The sentence was backdated to his remand in December 2023, making him eligible for parole in December 2029. He is also barred from holding a driver’s licence for six years after release.