Father-in-law fronts court over fatal boat crash which claimed life of young mum

Police allege the father-in-law of a young mum killed in a boat crash on the Brisbane River was affected by an intoxicating substance when he dangerously operated the vessel.

The father-in-law of a young mum killed in a boat crash on the Brisbane River has faced court over her death.

Jamie Luke Harwood, 46, faced Brisbane Magistrates Court for the first time on Tuesday after the boat crash in Brisbane’s inner-west which claimed the life of his daughter-in-law Nicole Herbert, 21.

Police allege the grandfather was affected by an intoxicating substance when he dangerously operated the boat at Chelmer late last year.

The boat following the incident beside a private jetty at Chelmer on the Brisbane River. Picture: ABC News

It’s also alleged he was driving without a boat licence and refused to provide police with a sample of his blood to undergo alcohol and drug testing after the incident.

Mr Harwood did not enter pleas to four charges on Tuesday morning when his lawyer Katelyn Sherrin said the matter would be committed to a higher court.

The matter was adjourned to May 24.

Nicole Herbert, 21, died in the incident on November 4, 2020. Picture: Facebook

Mr Harwood is facing one charge each of dangerously operating a vehicle causing death while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, driving under the influence of liquor, failing to provide a specimen of breath or blood for test on requirement, and operating a ship as master while not appropriately licensed.

Jamie Luke Harwood, 46, faced Brisbane Magistrates Court for the first time on Tuesday after a boat crash in Brisbane’s inner-west which claimed the life of his daughter-in-law.