Parents of Matty Field and Kate Leadbetter slam teen’s sentence, calling for change to the system

The parents of Matty Field and Kate Leadbetter say the sentence handed to the youth responsible for their deaths is “grossly inadequate”, saying the system needs to change to reflect community expectations.

The parents of Matty Field and Kate Leadbetter say the sentence handed to the youth responsible for their deaths is “grossly inadequate”, saying the system needs to change to reflect community expectations.

“The last 18 months have been a long and emotional journey for our families, and all friends and no doubt many others unknown to us,” the statement said.

“This incident touched and affected many, not only families, friends, but first responders and many others. Some are still suffering, as we are.”

In a statement released today, the two families said that they were given a life sentence the day the teen, driving a stolen car, crashed into Matty and Kate as they were walking their dogs.

“We acknowledge the professionalism of the services, and thank the individuals who attended the scene on the day, along with their ongoing support,” they said.

Matty Field and Kate Leadbetter. Photo Supplied QLD Police

“We also recognise the Queensland justice system, and the legal challenges faced, however we believe the sentence is grossly inadequate and not within the community’s expectations.

“This needs to change. Unfortunately for us, this is not the end, only the next phase of our emotional journey. Our sentence. Our ‘life’ sentence started on Australia Day last year. It will never end. Our pain will never end.

“They will not be forgotten and we will never get over it.”

THE FULL STATEMENT

As parents of Matthew Field and Katherine Leadbetter we would like to thank the whole community for their ongoing support following the tragic incident that took the lives of Matt, Kate and Miles, on Australia Day last year.

It has been comforting to continually receive messages of support from people across the country.

The last 18 months have been a long and emotional journey for our families, and all friends and no doubt many others unknown to us.

This incident touched and affected many, not only families, friends, but first responders and many others. Some are still suffering, as we are.

We share a thought for the witnesses, ordinary everyday people who unfortunately saw this unfold in front of them. We can only imagine what happened, but these people saw it and will remember it forever.

We can only hope all those affected are getting all necessary counselling and support they need.

Family members of Kate Leadbetter and Matt Field attend court for the sentencing of the teen who killed them. Picture: Richard Walker

We acknowledge the professionalism of the services, and thank the individuals who attended the scene on the day, along with their ongoing support.

We thank the media for respecting our privacy requests. We also recognise the Queensland justice system, and the legal challenges faced, however we believe the sentence is grossly inadequate and not within the community’s expectations.

This needs to change. Unfortunately for us, this is not the end, only the next phase of our emotional journey. Our sentence. Our “life” sentence started on Australia Day last year. It will never end. Our pain will never end.

They will not be forgotten and we will never get over it.

We will not move on, but at least for now, we can move forward. Our memories will not wane, our pain will not diminish and we will always cherish the good times we had.

No one can take that from us. We will continue to remind the younger nieces, nephews and grandchildren of what caring and wonderful people Matt and Kate were, along with the memory of Miles.