Stewart Andrew Casey hears of family’s trauma after killing two women

With the drug driver who caused the crash that claimed both their beloved ‘mummy and nan’ behind bars, the heartbreaking victim impact statements of the loved ones left behind after a horror crash at Bundaberg can be revealed.

Drug driver Stewart Andrew Casey was under the influence of methylamphetamine when his split second decision cost the Bishop family two generations of women.

While trying to overtake a vehicle on Goodwood Road, Casey collided head-on with the Bishop’s vehicle travelling in the opposite direction with Maryanne Bishop, Jessyica Bishop, Jessyica’s young daughter Skyler Bishop and Kristina Bishop inside.

Maryanne and Jessyica Bishop died as a result of the crash.

Maryanne’s daughters and Jessyica’s younger sisters, Aleice, Kristina and Shaylea’s victim impact statements were read out to Casey in Bundaberg District Court court where he was sentenced to jail for 10 years.

24-year-old Kristina Bishop’s heartbreaking story was read out by the Crown Prosecutor on her behalf.

“The accident and what you have done to me has not just impacted me but has made a ripple effect and has ripped out a once stable family unit into chaos of heartbreak, grief an loss, so much so, that these words could never justify nor describe the pain we all suffer today and for years to come it will never be the same, ”she wrote.

“When I close my eyes I still see, in slow motion, my mum, Maryanne, taking in her last breath as she said my name.

“That is my reality, this is our last moment together, while Jessyica lay in the room next to me alone, trying to fight to stay alive for her family.

“Jessyica was unable to hold on, holding on enough for some family members to arrive and passing while they sat with her holding her hand telling her how much they loved her.

“I was unaware that I had just lost my anchor (mum) and freethinker guide (Jessyica) in one night.

Jessyica Bishop. Photo: Max Fleet / NewsMail

“I went through many surgeries, five thus far and still more to come, I sustained water weight traction on the left knee, external fixation on the left leg.

“Two broken ribs and toe, broken left pelvis and compound breaks in my tibia/fibula.

“I couldn’t even kiss my other or sister goodbye as I couldn’t move from the wheelchair. I was required to go to hospital every three days for over a month to have my leg coban wrapped and wounds re-dressed.

“I was in a wheelchair for six months, and now walk with the aid of a crutch.

“I see a physiotherapist twice a week and am told I will need to keep seeing her for at least the next three years to assist in my ability to walk.

“I have also been told I was need to have a hip replacement. I am very unstable still in my left him and right leg.

“You have stolen my youth, I will never be able to walk run and jump the same. I can’t do normal day to day activities like I used to enjoy like snorkelling and even as simple as gardening.

“I take antidepressants daily, as well as pain medication and sleeping tablets to manage my days and nights.

“You’ve stolen my beautiful mum and wonderful sister, I will never be able to hug them or tell them how my day was or ask them how their day was, they will never see my future children or watch me get married.

Jessyica’s daughter, Skyler, suffered an injury to her arm as a result of the crash while sitting in the back seat with her mother.

“Skyler will often ask where mummy and nanny are … ‘in the stars’, I say ”,” the statement read

“Her next question is ‘can we go drive up there and see them?’

“Skyler already knows the answer as her big brown eyes well up with tears and my heart breaks because the answer will be no every time she asks.

“No child should ever be subjected to what Skyler has been through.”

Maryanne, left, and Jessyica Bishop – photo supplied.

Aleice Bishop bravely read her statement directly to Stewart.

“I used to be so outgoing, and now I never want to leave the house.

“I don’t feel comfortable in a car.

“It is a constant reminder of what you have taken from me therefore impacting my life significantly.

“I cannot go one day without breaking down because I need my mother’s support.

“I need her comfort, I need her warmth; something that I will never feel again.

“I cannot turn to my sister for the advice I need.

“I am constantly going through conversations in my head, wishing I hadn't had said certain things, or told them I love them more.

“I am at the point where I do not want to live in Bundaberg anymore, which is absolutely heartbreaking as this place is my home.

“I have grown up here for the last 21 years and I want to leave because of the fact that one day, I know I will see your face and how does one come to terms and be okay with the fact that one stupid action took the lives of my family?

“How am I meant to look at you knowing that you took my whole world from me?

“My mother was my world.”

Jessyica’s eldest daughter, 15-year-old Shaylea Bishop’s statement was read out by the Crown Prosecutor on her behalf.

“Having to look at you, while we hear about the horrific injuries that you selfishly inflicted on my family on that fateful day would make anyone's skin crawl, let alone the physical impact you had on both Skyler and Kristina, leaving them both with disabilities and mental trauma,” she wrote.

“I sat with mum, held her hand and told her I loved her while her heart stopped beating.

“I didn’t get to say goodbye to Nan or see her on that night to tell her I loved her.

“March 21 was a special day for us, as it’s Skyler’s birthday.

“March 21 is also the most painful day for so many of us.

“While we will always celebrate Skyler, we will also mourn the loss of mum and nan.

“You have ruined my family, you have taken away my safety, my stability and you’ve created fear when there used to ben one.

“Stewart, you get to live and walk this earth while your sentence will never be long enough nor will it give us justice or satisfaction for our loses of my beloved mum and nan.”