Amanda Leonora Elmes sentenced court for crash that killed Kerry Bowe
A former wedding planner who caused the death of a beloved Kenilworth grandfather was under the influence at her last court appearance. Find out how long she will spend in jail.
Sunshine Coast
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A former wedding planner and mother has learned her fate for causing the death of a beloved Kenilworth grandfather after she was taken into custody with alcohol in her system.
Amanda Leonora Elmes, 52, pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death while drunk and drink driving in Maroochydore District Court on November 7, 2022.
The delivery of Judge Gary Long’s sentence took place on November 30, where defence barrister Nathan Dixon raised an issue from the previous court appearance.
“Upon Ms Elmes being taken into custody she was detected to be under the influence of alcohol,” Mr Dixon told the court.
“She instructs very clearly that she relapsed as a result of the stressors associated with knowing she was about to be incarcerated.”
Mr Dixon made sure to clarify that Elmes’ rehabilitation was not yet complete, which Judge Long agreed with.
The court was told Elmes was five times the limit with a breath alcohol concentration of 0.276 when she drove dangerously for 5km at Balmoral Ridge on May 27, 2021.
Crown prosecutor Samantha O’Rourke said Elmes was driving on the wrong side of the road and at erratic speeds causing others to take evasive action.
“Her dangerous actions culminated in her moving in to the slip lane to turn left onto Maleny Montville Rd but failing to take the bend,” Ms O’Rourke said.
Elmes drove at speed over the concrete island and into the side of a stationary car belonging to 71-year-old Kerry Bowe who succumbed to his “traumatic” injuries in hospital on May 31, 2021.
Ms O’Rourke said when interviewed by police, Elmes told them she was a safe driver and that Mr Bowe “just slammed into” her car.
Mary Bowe said her husband, a devoted grandfather and friend, had a lot to live for and look forward to.
Anita Bowe said medical professionals told the family Mr Bowe’s brain injury was the worst they had ever seen.
“Dad’s death was completely avoidable, it was so cruel and incredibly traumatic,” Ms Bowe said.
Defence barrister Mark Dixon said his client was deeply remorseful and was in a highly emotional state at the time of the crash.
Mr Dixon said Elmes’ marriage had broken down and her wedding business of 16 years was going to be sold.
“She became aware (her husband) had been having an affair … we don’t suggest that any of this in any way excuses what has occurred,” Mr Dixon said.
Judge Long said Elmes’ doctor noted her “varied” success with rehabilitation services for her alcohol addiction.
Elmes was given 6.5 years’ prison with a parole eligibility date of May 7, 2024, after she serves 18 months.
The mother was disqualified from driving for five years and 23 days of presentence custody was declared as time already served.
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