Bikie murder case delays triple fatal trial in Youth Court

A teenage driver accused of killing three people won’t stand trial for seven months because of delays caused by a historic bikie murder case.

A teenager accused of killing three members of the same family in a head-on crash won’t stand trial until June next year – due in part to an alleged bikie murder trial.

On Monday, the Youth Court set the case against the boy, 16, down for a four-day trial in June in Mount Gambier.

The seven-month delay is highly unusual for the Youth Court, which conducts its cases as quickly as possible in order to minimise stress for accused youths, their families and alleged victims.

However Bill Boucaut SC, for the boy, said the delay was unavoidable due to his 2022 schedule.

That includes the trial of several alleged bikies accused of murdering innocent man Jason De Ieso – already expected to be the biggest case in SA history.

“The client is very anxious to retain me as counsel,” he said.

“I am (representing clients) in Perth in January and February, and from April I will be involved in a murder trial that is listed for up to six months.

“It would be helpful to me if this matter could be heard (in June), once the murder trial is up and running and I can step away from it for a short period of time.

“The client wants me, and he doesn’t care how long it takes.”

Ned and Nan Walker. Picture: Supplied by the Walker’s family.

Nan Walker and Sue Skeer. Picture: Supplied by Mrs Walker’s family.

The boy, 16, has yet to plead to three counts of causing death and four counts of causing harm by dangerous driving.

He was allegedly behind the wheel of a Landcrusier at the time ofa head-on crash that killed three members of the same family at Mount Gambier in November 2020.

Beloved Millicent identities Ned Walker, 80, his wife Nan Walker 77, and their daughter Sue Skeer, 55, died as a result of the impact.

In the wake of the tragedy, the trio’s family called for legislative reform that would see young drivers banned from using powerful vehicles with V8 engines.

On Monday, prosecutors said they did not object to the delay and would ensure their witnesses would be ready.

Mr Boucaut estimated the trial would take between three and four days, including a view of the crash site.

The matter was adjourned to a final pre-trial hearing in May, and will proceed to trial at the Mount Gambier court house in June.