Aaron Joshua McRae sentenced for fatal crash which claimed NQ teacher Julie Hatton

The family of a Townsville teacher who was killed in a “tragic” crash have spoken about their grief as the young driver was sentenced in court.

A young driver whose “momentary miscalculation” ended in the death of a well-known Townsville teacher, mother and grandmother has walked from court on a suspended sentence.

Three years and two days after Townsville teacher Julie Hatton’s death on September 10, 2019, Aaron Joshua McRae, 23, was sentenced in Townsville District Court over the incident.

McRae pleaded guilty to the single count of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death.

Ms Hatton, 62, was driving to Aitkenvale State School along Woolcock St when McRae crossed through a give way sign and collided with her vehicle about 7.30am.

The court heard McRae had not stopped his car at the sign, and a report tendered to the court stated he had at least four seconds of “unobstructed vision” down the highway before the crash.

Aitkenvale State School teacher Julie Hatton, 62 died from injuries sustained from a September 10, 2019 crash at the intersection of Woolcock and Weston Sts.

Aaron McRae’s car after the crash on Woolcock Street and Weston Street in Mount Louisa. Picture: Alix Sweeney

The crash tore McRae’s bullbar from his vehicle, and spun his car 180 degrees.

It was heard McRae immediately tried to help Ms Hatton, but had to stop because he became distressed.

He later told a witness at the scene “I thought I had time”.

No mechanical faults were found in an examination of both vehicles, and no traces of drugs or alcohol were found in McRae’s blood.

Neither car attempted an emergency brake before the incident.

In court, each of her children read their victim impact statements, describing the ongoing impact of their mother’s death.

Ms Hatton’s only daughter, Michelle Graham held a framed photograph of her cherished “best friend” in her lap as she read her statement to the court.

“It’s like a nightmare, but you’re awake,” Ms Graham said of her grief.

“I have to face this world without her advice, her compassion, her empathy and her love,

“ … Joy and true laughter feel like a memory. I fake it most days with a smile but truly in my heart I am stuck in the revolving door of the depths of grief …”.

McRae’s defence barrister, Justin Greggery, read an apology by McRae to Ms Hatton’s family to the court.

He submitted that because of McRae’s lack of criminal history, his young age and multiple positive character references, that his client should not serve any actual time in custody.

Aaron McRae pleaded guilty in Townsville District Court to a count of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death.

Mr Greggery said McRae was of otherwise “impeccable” character, and had gone on to be a contributing member of the community since.

He submitted McRae’s criminality was at the lowest end of the category because it had not involved deliberate risk-taking, or other features such as fatigue, “hooning” or speeding.

“ … It was a momentary miscalculation or momentary loss of attention on a vehicle that was coming and in all likelihood had changed lanes,” Mr Greggery said.

The report indicated a driver’s vision may have been drawn away from the oncoming flow of traffic, to vehicles across the road in the slip lane ahead.

Siblings Dean Fabris, Michelle Graham, and Raymond Fabris pose with a photo of their late mother Julie Hatton. Ms Hatton was killed on September 10, 2019 when a car driven by Aaron Joshua McRae collided with her vehicle on Woolcock and Weston Sts.

Judge Coker considered McRae’s references and “positive” character, and noted the crash had been the “most tragic of accidents”.

McRae was sentenced to 18 months jail, wholly suspended.

He was disqualified from driving for two years.

Speaking outside of court, Ms Graham said while she understood the sentence, her family had been “committed to a life” without their mother, and “nanny”.

“I understand the sentence imposed on Aaron …,” Ms Graham said.

“I never wanted a young boy to go to prison … but it was nice to hear an apology today, because it’s (taken) three years to get to this point.”

She thanked the Department of Public Prosecutions and Forensic Crash Unit for their support.

Originally published as Aaron Joshua McRae sentenced for fatal crash which claimed NQ teacher Julie Hatton