Petition to appeal the sentence for killer keen driver reaches 30,000 signatures in 24 hours

A petition calling for Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman to appeal the “manifestly inadequate” sentence given to the teen driver who killed a young Alexandra Hills couple has reached 30,000 signature in 24 hours.

Pressure is mounting on the Attorney-General to appeal the “manifestly inadequate” sentence handed to the teenager who killed Matthew Field and Kate Leadbetter at Alexandra Hills, with a petition reaching 30,000 signatures.

In just 24 hours almost 30,000 Queenslanders have signed a petition lodged by Redlands Mayor Karen Williams demanding Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman lodge an appeal against the “unacceptable” six-year prison sentence handed to a teenage offender who killed Kate, Matthew and their unborn child Miles while they were walking in Alexandra Hills in January 2021.

Ann and Russell Field (centre) have been joined Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli (left) and Redlands Mayor Karen Williams (right) calling for an appeal on the sentence handed down to the teen driver who killed their son Matthew Field, his partner Kate Leadbetter and their unborn child Miles in Alexandra Hills. Picture: Tara Croser

Ms Williams’ petition – supported by Matthew’s family – argues the sentence imposed was not in line with community expectations.

Responding to the petition which in 24 hours had attracted 26,000 signatures, Ms Fentiman said she was considering the Crown’s response.

“I understand the community’s views about the sentence,” she said.

“I want to assure the family, the community that I’m taking urgent advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions about whether or not there are grounds for an appeal.”

Questioned whether the staggering response to the petition was an indication the community demanded tougher laws for young offenders, Ms Fentiman said the government had already acted.

Flowers at the site of the crash in Alexandra Hills. PIcture: Tara Croser

“Since this case last year we of course strengthened our Youth Justice Act to make sure that when young people commit a serious offence there is a presumption against bail – those laws are working,” she said.

“Many more young people who have committed serious offences are not getting bail.”

The Attorney-General said, as the person responsible for appealing the sentence, declared it was not appropriate for her to sign the petition – but said she understood the attitude of the community and her colleagues.

“It’s devastating to see that young couple and their unborn child killed in that horrific way,” she said.

“If there are grounds for appeal, I will make that appeal.”

Ms Fentiman expected it would take another week to receive the advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions whether to launch an appeal.