Rafferty Raymond Rolfe charged with robbery, dangerous operations

The sole survivor of a horrific Bruce Highway triple fatal crash and driver of an alleged stolen vehicle has had his charges mentioned in court on the Sunshine Coast.

In a shock twist, the 25-year-old man accused of stealing a car from a family at knifepoint before a horrific triple fatal crash on the Bruce Highway north of the Sunshine Coast was allegedly driving unlicensed.

Rafferty Raymond Rolfe, 25, was represented by duty lawyer Michael Robinson in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday, July 24.

Court documents state he has been charged with single counts of robbery whilst armed, dangerous operations of a car, stealing, evading police, and driving without a licence disqualified by court order as a repeat offender.

Mr Rolfe did not enter any pleas.

Mr Robinson asked for the matter to be adjourned as Mr Rolfe needed to be transferred from hospital.

Emergency services on the scene at Federal following a horror crash which has claimed three lives. Source: Channel 7.

Magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist adjourned the matter to July 27, 2023 with Mr Rolfe’s personal appearance required if he were released from hospital

The court heard Mr Rolfe would be moved to custody if he were released between his next court date.

Jessica Townley died in the crash two days after her birthday, Jessica was one of three people who died in the same accident on the Bruce Highway. Picture: Supplied

Mr Rolfe was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital under police guard after the horror crash on the Bruce Highway at Federal on July 21.

The Isuzu MU-X allegedly stolen by Mr Rolfe was alleged to have rammed a Nissan Navara which had Mr Rolfe’s girlfriend Gypsy Satterley and a 65-year-old driver inside.

As a result the Navara veered into a third car driven by Jessica Townley, who also died. 

Rafferty Rolfe, 25, was the sole survivor of the fatal crash which involved three vehicles on the Bruce Highway at Federal on Thursday morning. Picture: 9News

All three victims died with Mr Rolfe being the sole survivor.

Mr Rolfe has not been charged in relation to any of the three deaths from the crash.

Court documents show police allege Mr Rolfe had stolen a car in Gympie from a person whilst armed with a knife on July 20.

Gypsy Satterley tragically died in the crash along with two others. Picture: Instagram

He allegedly dangerously operated a car on River Rd, Gympie and is also alleged to have evaded police by not stopping the car as directed by an officer in Curra on the same date, court documents stated.

It is alleged in court documents on July 21 Mr Rolfe stole fuel from Puma Traveston and he drove on the Bruce Highway near Federal without a licence disqualified by court order as a repeat unlicensed driver.

The crash site in Federal.

He was additionally charged with unlawfully possessing a vehicle without consent of the owner with intent to permanently deprive the owner of its use and possession on the same date.

Court documents state Mr Rolfe is employed as an arborist who was born in Herberton and now lives in Yandina.

Mr Rolfe has been remanded in custody until his next court date.