Driver jailed for killing mother-of-seven in head-on crash appeals conviction
A woman jailed for killing a mother-of-seven in a horrific Gympie region crash has appealed her conviction, with her matter mentioned at court.
A woman with a violent criminal history who was sentenced for a horrific crash that killed a beloved mother has lodged an appeal against her conviction.
Zilzie resident Carla Anne Lutgenau was convicted of killing mother-of-seven Kathleen Dennis, and leaving Ms Dennis’ passenger with “significant” brain damage in a collision on Kandanga Imbil Road at Imbil on the afternoon of September 28, 2022.
During the four-day trial in early November this year, crown prosecutor Rebecca Marks said Lutgenau had “failed to take the bend” of the road, crossing into the southbound lane and colliding head-on with Mrs Dennis’ Corolla.
She was acquitted of being adversely affected by methamphetamine at the time of the crash, when tests found traces of the drug in her blood.
Judge Glen Cash sentenced her to four years’ jail, to be suspended for five years after two years was served, and disqualified her from driving for three years.
Her matter was mentioned at Gympie Magistrates Court on Monday, where the court heard a submission was intended to be made “arising out of the jury’s verdict”.
The appeal against her conviction of dangerous driving causing death and grievous bodily harm was lodged on November 5, two days after the trial concluded.
Ms Marks told the court Lutgenau’s criminal record included entries for drug-related offences, and a serious offence in which she fired a shotgun at her brother after going on a 72-hour meth binge.
She was on that occasion found guilty of an act intending to disable and jailed for six years, with parole eligibility after two had been served.
Her next appearance at Gympie Magistrates Court was set for February 9, 2026, and her bail was enlarged.
