Ronald Joseph Madden charged over crash death of Malcolm Anderson Langtree
A surprise letter penned by the sister of a motorcyclist killed in an alleged hit and run by a mate of 40 years can be revealed. It comes after police previously said the driver shouldn’t be released for his own “protection”.
Police & Courts
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The sister of a motorcyclist, killed in an alleged hit and run by a friend of 40 years, has penned a surprise letter to the court asking for leniency to be shown to the charged driver.
It comes after Ronald Joseph Madden, 69, was refused bail for a third time in Bundaberg Magistrates Court this week.
He is charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and leaving the scene without obtaining help, after allegedly hitting 68-year-old Moranbah man, Malcolm “Andy” Langtree on Sunday, November 17.
Mr Madden’s lawyer explained to the court that the previous bail application was denied on the grounds that police claimed he needed to remain in custody for his own protection.
The court heard medical evidence submitted to the magistrate was “not a change in circumstances” which meant Mr Madden’s latest bail application had to be denied.
Court documents viewed by this publication reveal Mr Langtree’s sister, Deborah Sills, penned a letter to the court on November 21, 2024, asking for leniency to be shown to Mr Madden.
“Andy [Mr Langtree] was a very compassionate and forgiving person, and he would be heartbroken that Ronald could be imprisoned for what was a tragic accident”, the letter reads.
“Ronald and Andy have been friends for nearly 30 years, and we believe that this accident has impacted not only our family but also Ronald’s.
“I am representing the family of Andy, and we would like you to consider our thoughts in prosecution and sentencing of Ronald Madden.
“Ronald’s profound sadness because of this event will impact his life forever.
“I hope that you will take into consideration the compassion Andy would have for Ronald when he is before you in court.
“Our whole family have the same belief in forgiveness.”
Court documents also show a magistrate signed a document certifying that the letter would be received by Mr Madden’s solicitor and the police prosecution.
Police allege the 69-year-old was behind the wheel in the fatal hit-and-run crash south of Bundaberg and told officers he “did not realise he’d hit someone”.
They further allege Mr Madden struck Mr Langtree’s motorbike from behind.
The court heard Mr Madden travelled from Dubbo to Glass House Mountains on Saturday, November 16, with a group of friends to celebrate a birthday party.
The group had plans to continue through to Rockhampton the next day to visit another friend, a trip that ended in tragedy.
The court heard Mr Langtree was riding his motorbike when he slowed to 60km/h as he approached a section of the Bruce Highway undergoing roadworks near Booyal-Dallarnil Rd.
Mr Madden allegedly failed to slow down and made contact with the back wheel of Mr Langtree’s motorbike, causing him to be thrown into oncoming traffic heading south.
He suffered critical injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
Police allege Mr Madden sped away from the scene and was found three kilometres down the road changing a tyre.
The prosecutor told Magistrate Edwina Rowan the charges were “serious” and could carry a sentence of 20 years in jail.
They said the damage to the motorbike was typical for those involved in a high-speed collision.
He allegedly told police he did not observe any damage to the front of his vehicle outside of it requiring a tyre-change.
Photos captured at Mr Langtree’s funeral and “last ride” show dozens of leather clad mourners with their bikes.
Outside court, a man who was in the public gallery for the case was asked if he wanted to comment but said he was “just a messenger” and had nothing to add.
Mr Madden is set to reappear in Bundaberg Magistrates Court on January 13, 2025.
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