Accused killer teen driver charged with the deaths of three Millicent family members likely to stand trial

The heartbroken family of three Millicent community members lost in a head-on collision demand change as they hear the teen charged with their deaths will likely plead not guilty.

A teenage boy charged with the deaths of three dearly missed Millicent family members will likely stand trial, a court has heard.

The 17-year-old was allegedly behind the wheel of a Landcruiser when a head-on crash claimed the lives of Ned Walker, 80, his wife Nan Walker 77, and their daughter Sue Skeer, 55 on the outskirts of Mount Gambier in November.

Magistrate Maria Panagiotidis brought forward the Mount Gambier Youth Court matter on Tuesday, with the boy who was 16 at the time of the crash, previously excused on mental health grounds.

Sue Skeer, 55 and her parents Ned Walker, 80 and Nan Walker 77, were killed in a head-on collision on the outskirts of Mount Gambier in November. Picture: Supplied by the family

“The alleged offending occurred some time ago and the matter’s been adjourned more than once,” Magistrate Panagiotidis said.

“I appreciate the sensitivity of the matter and the complexity of it, but it’s nine months or so since the allegations were made, and I’m really no wiser as to where we’re headed.

“If there are not to be guilty pleas, then I’d like to know about that.”

The youth’s defence lawyer said while much of the evidence was agreed, his level of culpability would be argued.

“It is likely to go to trial,” he said.

“We have tried to resolve it but without success.”

Magistrate Panagiotidis was unsure if she would hear the trial and said she would consult the Senior Judge of the Youth Court.

The now 17-year-old charged over the deaths of three people in a crash pictured leaving the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court after his first appearance earlier this year. Picture: Kathryn Bermingham

“Today is the first time I’ve heard any suggestion that it’s to be contested,” she said.

“I haven’t had this situation before.

“I don’t think magistrates in regional courts would necessarily conduct a contested trial in a youth matter.

“It may be that Judge Eldridge will want to organise a time when she can hear the matter herself.”

The matter was originally listed for plea or mention in September but will now be a pre-trial conference with Magistrate Panagiotidis excusing the youth.

“I don’t want to unnecessarily put a young person through the trauma of sitting around in a pre-trial conference.”

Outside the courthouse, the large Walker-Skeer family said it the first time they had heard the youth would plead not guilty.

Amy Haines, granddaughter of Nan and Ned Walker and daughter of Sue Skeer and Jacqui Verbena, daughter of Ned and Nan Walker, sister of Sue Skeer and outside the Mount Gambier Magistrate Court earlier this year. Picture: Jessica Ball

Daughter and sister, Jacqui Verbena said the hearing had made her more determined to demand change for the families affected by future road fatalities, saying the process was made more difficult by the youth’s non-appearances.

“I’ve got no words to say about that court hearing just then, I’m just dumbfounded, but if they want to go to trial, bring it on,” she said.

“It’s gone on too long.

“It’s not fair that he’s not made to come.”

A sign calling for justice has appeared at the crash site where Ned and Nan Walker and their daughter Sue Skeer lost their lives in a head on collision in November 2020. Picture: Jessica Ball

Amy Haines, who lost her mother and grandparents in the crash said she would struggle to move forward.

“You see them down the street, you see them in the supermarket, you see them at the local football, it’s hard,” she said.

“We’ve got no closure and no answers and we’re the ones dealing with a life sentence, what about our anxiety?”