Counsel for boy, 17, accused of killing Millicent’s Walker family by dangerous driving, says community’s anger ‘problematic’

They lost their parents and sister in the same crash – but a Millicent family’s anger is a problem for the trial of a young driver, a court has heard.

Anger over the deaths of three Millicent identities could be “problematic” for the trial of the driver who allegedly killed them and has an “autism disorder”, a court has heard.

In the Youth Court on Tuesday, counsel for the 17-year-old accused said their client could not be found guilty – even if the case against him was taken “at its best level”.

Bill Boucaut QC, for the boy, expressed concern over letting the families of Ned and Nan Walker, and Sue Skeer, be in the courtroom for his client’s trial next month.

“There’s an issue because of the outpouring of anger and emotion in the community down there,” he said.

“It’s very problematic and that’s something I’m acutely aware of … my client has an autism disorder and becomes worried when in a confrontational situation.

“Your Honour will have to make it abundantly clear to them (the families) that they are not to misbehave.”

Sue Skeer and her parents, Ned and Nan Walker. Picture: Supplied by the family.

Nan Walker and daughter Sue Skeer. Picture: Supplied by the family

Judge Penny Eldridge said she would note Mr Boucaut’s concerns.

“I think the families have a right to be there (in court) under the Act,” she told Mr Boucaut.

“Yes, there are consequences if they do (misbehave), but they are entitled to be present for the hearing.”

The boy, 17, whose identity is suppressed by law, was charged with three counts of causing death and four counts of causing harm by dangerous driving.

Previously, prosecutors alleged he was behind the wheel of a Landcruiser that collided head-on with a Ford Territory on the outskirts of Mount Gambier in November 2020.

Mr Walker, 80, Mrs Walker, 77, and Ms Skeer, 55, died as a result of the collision – the boy was allegedly on his L plates at the time.

Mr and Mrs Walker were killed in a head-on collision alongside their daughter. Picture: Supplied by the family.

In July last year, the court heard the case was the subject of “extensive” negotiations between defence counsel and prosecutors.

The case is scheduled to go to trial, in the absence of a jury, next month for four days – the boy was excused from attending Tuesday’s hearing in Adelaide.

On Tuesday, prosecutors told the court the case was likely to “boil down to expert versus expert”, in terms of how the crash occurred.

Mr Boucaut said there was “very little dispute” between the sides otherwise, adding the “rather voluminous” witness list would likely be reduced by agreement.

“I don’t mind saying that, at the end of the day, even if the prosecution case is taken at its best level, it’s not going to transcend into dangerous driving,” he said.

Judge Eldridge ordered the parties to consolidate their cases and return to court in four weeks for a final pre-trial hearing.