The family of a pregnant couple who were killed in a hit-and-run in south-east Queensland last year have broken down in court while giving emotional victim impact statements.
The now 18-year-old responsible for the crash — who cannot be named as he was a child at the time — was driving a stolen four-wheel drive when it collided with a tow truck, causing it to roll and strike 31-year-old Katherine Leadbetter and her 37-year-old partner, Matthew Field.
The pair, who suffered catastrophic head injuries and died at the scene, had been crossing the intersection in Alexandra Hills, east of Brisbane, while walking their two dogs on Australia Day in 2021.
Ms Leadbetter was 24 weeks pregnant and their unborn son Miles also died.
The teenager was originally facing two counts of murder but during a sentencing hearing in Brisbane on Tuesday, the Supreme Court was told he had already pleaded guilty to lesser charges of manslaughter earlier this year.
'Shocking and senseless'
The couple's families read emotional victim impact statements to the court, with some of their parents breaking down during their testimony.
Ms Leadbetter's mother, Jeannie Thorne, described how the "shocking and senseless" death of her daughter had left a "gaping hole in our everyday existence".
"It is unbearable — we will never see our girl again," Ms Thorne said.
Ms Thorne told the court she was lost without her daughter, and through tears said she "shouldn't be here today".
John Leadbetter told the court the death of his daughter had been a "horrible and life-changing tragedy" that would affect him both "emotionally and mentally" for the rest of his life.
"No parent should have to bury their children," he said.
"I would swap places with her in a heartbeat."
Mr Field's father, Russel Field, told the court his life "will never be the same".
'Total disregard for life'
Mr Field addressed the teen, saying he had shown a "total disregard for life" on the day of the crash and fleeing the scene was the "lowest of low" acts.
"There is no excuse — you could have stopped the car at any time," he said.
Ann Field told the court her son and Ms Leadbetter were "two peas in a pod" who were "so happy and in love".
"They had a beautiful life together and they were bringing a beautiful life into this world," Mrs Field said.
Mrs Field told the court her family was "no longer whole" and she had been left "paralysed".
After the crash, the teenager – who was drug- and alcohol-affected — attempted to flee the scene but was tackled by a member of the public and detained until police arrived.
He also pleaded guilty to other offences, including unlawful use of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving while under the influence and driving unlicensed.
The court heard he had stolen the car from a home in nearby Cleveland before driving it erratically for around 20 minutes.
During this time, the teenager was witnessed swerving close to cars, driving on the wrong side of the road and crossing a median strip, the court heard.
He was seen speeding, and the court was told five seconds before the impact he had been travelling at 102 kilometres per hour in what was a 50 kilometres per hour zone.
The teenager will be sentenced on Wednesday.
