A grandmother convicted of the manslaughter of her 24-year-old daughter and a 20-year-old woman says she feels like she is "already serving a life sentence" for their deaths.
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are advised this story contains the names of people who have died.
Linda Britton was sentenced on Thursday to six years in jail with a non-parole period of three years for the deaths of her daughter Skye Luland and Kazzandra Widders in the car park of Nambucca Heads Plaza in 2019.
The 55-year-old crushed the pair when she drove her car into them in what was been described as a desperate bid to break up a brawl involving the pair.
A District Court jury found Britton guilty in October. The first trial was aborted in 2021 due to juror misconduct.
During sentencing, Judge Sarah Huggett described a "volatile and frightening atmosphere" on the night of September 28, 2019 and said majority of those involved affected by drugs and alcohol.
Judge Huggett found that Britton, who suffered arm injuries during the affray, acted on instinct to save her daughter's life when she drove her Daewoo over grass and gutters onto the women.
"[Britton's] intention was to do no more than nudge Kazzandra off Skye," Judge Huggett said.
"The offender's actions were sporadic and unplanned."
She concluded that Britton did not intend to kill the women, but acted dangerously through the "deliberate use of a motor vehicle as a weapon", and noted she did not give any warning of her approach.
'Serious burden'
Psychologist and psychiatrist reports submitted for sentencing revealed that Britton's mental health had deteriorated significantly and she had been on medication to help her sleep.
Judge Huggett also read to the court part of a letter Britton wrote that highlighted the "serious burden" she carries over her daughter's and Ms Widders's death.
"I'm already serving a life sentence that I wouldn't wish on anyone else," the statement said.
While the judge found Britton overall remorseful for her actions four years ago, she recognised Britton's feelings toward Ms Widders's family.
"There remains a sense [Britton] holds the Widders family responsible for what happened," Judge Huggett said.
Judge Huggett acknowledged the "heartfelt words" by Ms Widders'S mother, Karen Walker, and eight other family members, which were read at the sentencing proceedings on March 1.
The judge also honoured the memory of Skye Luland, whose two children are now in the care of her sister.
"It is clear the Luland family are devastated at Skye's death and they're still grieving her loss," Judge Huggett said.
As Britton was taken into custody, Ms Widders's mother Karen Walker and other members of the family yelled in anger as the 55-year-old's relatives were heard saying "love you Linda".
Britton will be eligible for parole in 2026.
