Teenager charged with killing Kate Leadbetter and Matthew Field to stand trial on two counts of murder

A teenager charged over the fatal crash that killed Katherine Leadbetter, her partner Matthew Field and their unborn son, Miles, on Australia Day has been committed to stand trial on two counts of murder.

A teenager charged over a fatal crash on Australia Day that killed a pregnant woman and her partner has been committed to stand trial on two counts of murder.

The teenager, now 18, also will face trial, as a juvenile, in the Supreme Court on eight other charges.

Katherine Leadbetter, 31, and Matthew Field, 37, were killed in Alexandra Hills while walking their dog on January 26.

Ms Leadbetter was six months’ pregnant with the couple’s unborn son, Miles.

It is alleged the teenager was behind the wheel of a stolen Toyota LandCruiser when he crashed into the couple, who were out walking their dog.

After the deaths of the young couple, the then 17-year-old from Waterford West was charged.

The teen, now 18, appeared in Brisbane Children’s Court via a video link, dressed in a short-sleeved grey t-shirt.

Matthew Field, Kate Leadbetter and their unborn son MIles were killed in Alexandra Hills on Australia Day when they were struck by a stolen Toyota LandCruiser allegedly driven by a teenager.

He declined to say anything, and did not enter a plea, when asked if he wished to do so by Magistrate Anne Thacker.

His barrister, Ruth O’Gorman, said she was instructed to make a statement on behalf of the accused teenager, in relation to the murder charges.

“Master … accepts that, by his manner of driving, on the day in question, he caused the deaths of Ms Leadbetter and Mr Field,” Ms O’Gorman said.

“He has communicated that to the prosecutor and authorities, even at this very early stage.

“He further instructs that he is profoundly sorry and remorseful for what occurred.

“However, he disputes that he knew that, by his manner of driving, he would probably cause those deaths. That is an element required in section 302 (1) aa.”

The accused teenager allegedly running from the scene of the fatal crash at Alexandra Hills.

Magistrate Thacker committed the teen, who will remain in detention, to stand trial as a juvenile in the Supreme Court, before a jury, at a future date.

Prosecutor Caroline McEwan said there were 128 known witnesses to give evidence at this stage.

The teenager also will stand trial on a charge of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance on January 26.

The charge alleges the teen was dangerously driving in Finucane Rd and Cambridge Dr, Alexandra Hills and Montague Dr, Wellington Point.

The families of Matthew Field, Kate Leadbetter and their unborn child Miles in the days after the fatal crash.

He also is committed to stand trial on a charge of failing to remain at the Finucane Rd accident scene, two burglary charges, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and attempted unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

He also is charged with wilful damage of a gate at Kingston Ave, Alexandra Hills, on January 26 and possession of Australian currency suspected of being stolen or tainted.

Two other minor charges were adjourned.

The magistrate excused the teenager from having a parent or guardian in court, as he had recently turned 18.

The media were given permission to be in Children’s Court for the brief committal hearing, after making an application.