The families of a pregnant couple who were killed after being struck by a teenager in a stolen car in south-east Queensland have hit out at the "grossly inadequate" punishment he received, saying they had been serving a "life sentence" since the day the pair died.
In January last year, a drug- and alcohol-affected 17-year-old boy was driving a four-wheel drive in Alexandra Hills 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 died at the scene and their unborn son Miles was delivered stillborn shortly after.
On Tuesday, the now 18-year-old man — who cannot be named as he was convicted as a juvenile — was handed a 10-year sentence for more than a dozen charges including two counts of manslaughter.
Despite a Supreme Court judge finding his offending was "particularly heinous" and having the power to deliver a higher sentence, the teen's actual jail term was discounted to six years, due to several factors including his age at the time and his early guilty pleas.
In a joint statement, the parents of both Ms Leadbetter and Mr Field said the sentence did not fit the crime.
"We recognise the Queensland justice system, and the legal challenges faced," the statement said.
"However, we believe the sentence is grossly inadequate and not within the community's expectations."
They said the past 18 months had been "a long and emotional journey" and they had been serving their own "life sentence".
"Unfortunately for us this is not the end, only the next phase of our emotional journey," the statement said.
"They will not be forgotten and we will never get over it — we will not move on, but at least for now, we can move forward.
They also thanked the community for their continued support and first responders who would still be "suffering".
"This incident touched and affected many," the statement said.
"We share a thought for the witnesses, ordinary everyday people who unfortunately saw this unfold in front of them.
"We can only hope all those affected are getting all necessary counselling and support they need."
The local state member for Capalaba, and school friend of Mr Field, Don Brown, posted to social media earlier on Thursday that he had written to the Premier and Attorney General asking them to appeal the judge's ruling.
"I share my community's view that this sentencing is grossly insufficient," the post said.
"Our community expects nothing less than justice for Matt, Kate, Miles and their loved ones."
Attorney-General seeks advice from DPP
Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said in a statement on Friday she had sought advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions on the sentence.
"My thoughts are with the family of Matthew Field and Kate Leadbetter – no-one should have to endure the pain and loss that they have," she said.
"Youth crime is a deeply complex problem, with no easy or quick fixes.
"We are absolutely committed to ensuring the safety of our community."
