Garth Lance Spain sentenced over hit-and-run death of Jack Parker

A drunk and drugged-up driver who killed a teenage boy in a hit-and-run has been sentenced, leaving his victim’s family outraged at the punishment.

Garth Lance Spain has been sentenced over the hit and run death of 15-year-old Jack Parker. Picture: Jason Walls

A drunk and drugged-up Casuarina man who hit and killed a special needs teenage boy at a school crossing last year has been jailed, with the victim’s family slamming what they believe is his “slap on the wrist” sentence.

Garth Lance Spain, 33, was sentenced in the Supreme Court on Thursday after pleading guilty last month to dangerous driving causing death and failing to stop and provide assistance after the crash that killed 15-year-old Jack Parker on August 21 last year.

The court heard about 7pm, Jack was riding his scooter over the school crossing at Sanderson Middle School in Wulagi when he was hit by Spain’s car.

Spain was travelling about 80km/h in a 60km/h zone at the time of the crash and was estimated to have a blood alcohol reading of 0.1 per cent, as well as testing positive to cannabis.

Following the crash, which threw Jack 40m from the point of impact, Spain immediately drove to the Casuarina Police Station to report the incident.

The school crossing where 15-year-old Jack Parker was killed. Picture: Glenn Campbell

In sentencing, Justice John Burns said Spain’s “intoxication and excessive speed” had caused the crash.

The court heard Spain had been convicted in 2011 for failing to stop after an accident.

Justice Burns said Spain’s vision being obscured by an illegally parked truck did not reduce his responsibility and that it was “purely fortuitous” Spain’s decision not to stop had not had a negative outcome on the victim.

Justice Burns said the effects on Jack’s family and friends would “continue indefinitely”.

Spain was sentenced to three years and six months imprisonment with a non-parole period of one year and nine months.

He was disqualified from obtaining a driver’s license for five years from November 8.

Outside the Supreme Court, Jack’s aunt Lynette Fejo remembered the teenager as a “smart, intelligent, kind, gentle” son, nephew, grandson and uncle.

“He was loveable … he’d help anybody,” she said.

Jack Parker's aunt, Lynette Fejo, speaks outside the Supreme Court following Garth Lance Spain's sentencing.

“Now that my nephew’s gone I’m going to miss out on seeing his 18th birthday, graduating from school, seeing him have a girlfriend and going to university.”

Ms Fejo said Jack’s family would appeal the length of Spain’s sentence.

“To me it’s a slap on the wrist to me, our family,” she said.

“Losing a nephew, an uncle, a brother, a grandson in our family is taking a toll on all of us and it will be for the rest of our lives.

“The justice system should be reviewed throughout Australia, especially in the Northern Territory.”

Originally published as Garth Lance Spain sentenced over hit-and-run death of Jack Parker