Alexandra Hills crash: Teen murder accused slapped with more charges

Police have this morning confirmed they will not be adding a third murder charge following the death of Kate Leadbetter and Matty Field’s unborn child Miles, but the teen charged with murder has been slapped with a string of further offences.

Police have this morning confirmed they will not be adding a third murder charge following the death of Kate Leadbetter and Matty Field’s unborn child Miles.

The teenager charged with murder has however been slapped with a string of further offences, including three counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, and one count of driving with a disqualified license.

It comes on the day Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced courts will be given the powers to deploy GPS trackers as a condition of bail on youth offenders, as part of the government’s response to the public outcry following a spate of high-profile incidents.

The couple, who were farwelled on Monday in a funeral for close family and friends, were walking their dog when they were hit and killed in a horror crash involving an allegedly stolen car at Alexandra Hills in Brisbane’s east.

Police have this morning confirmed they will not be adding a third murder charge following the death of Kate Leadbetter and Matty Field’s unborn child Miles.

The teen was out on bail for driving offences, including evade police.

Police allege the 17-year-old Waterford West male, whose initial charges included two counts of murder and one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle (adversely affected by an intoxicating substance), was driving the stolen vehicle.

Queensland Police Service Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd said there was no suitable legal framework to be able to apply the third murder charge.

“We have now received legal advice indicating that a specific charge of killing an unborn child under the provision of the criminal code is not available to us on this occasion,” he said.

“We understand this may be difficult for some to understand, but I can assure you the death of baby Miles will not be overlooked and will be presented for consideration to the courts as an aggravating element of the murder charge that we have put forward relating to the death of his mother Kate.”

Assistant Commissioner Codd said Ms Leadbetter and Mr Field’s families had been notified the charge over Miles’ death would not be feasible.

He said the family had previously met with police who explained the charge would no go ahead.

Queensland Police Service Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd. Picture, John Gass

“They have been incredible... they understand,” Assistant Commissioner Codd said.

“The issue is less about technical charges and more about an acknowledgement their grandson was taken from them.

“Their strength is strengthening us, I can assure you.”

Assistant Commissioner Codd said previous court cases indicated the death of baby Miles would be taken into consideration during the sentencing process.

“We are determined to ensure the life of baby Miles is not overlooked in the court processes,” he said.

“I know for the family and the community, the importance was recognising there was a third life. Whether that’s a legal term or human term...

“The strength and the dignity (of the family) in my view are an absolute example to all of us during an enormously difficult time. And while the family and we as a community continue to grieve, the investigate team continues to work painstakingly and tirelessly, compiling the brief of evidence for consideration of the courts in due course.”

The teen driver of the allegedly stolen car has, through his legal counsel, been issued a notice to appear on a further eight offences.

A statement from the QPS outlined all charges the teen will now face.

“In addition to the two counts of murder and burglary and one count each of dangerous operation of a vehicle, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and attempted unlawful use of a motor vehicle, the boy has also been charged with a further three counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle (whilst adversely affected by an intoxicating substance), two counts of failure to fulfil duties at the scene of a traffic crash and one count each of wilful damage, driving whilst disqualified and possessing tainted property.”

The boy has been issued a Notice to Appear in Brisbane Children’s Court on February 15.