Joshua Andrew Peterson pleads guilty to charges over crash which killed Shanti Wren

A man charged with causing the death of loved Port Douglas woman Shanti Wren has appeared before Judge Dean Morzone KC in Cairns District Court.

Joshua Andrew Peterson has pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death while affected by an intoxicating substance.

The man charged with causing the death of popular Port Douglas woman Shanti Wren in a motorbike crash has pleaded guilty in Cairns District Court.

Joshua Andrew Peterson, 33, was charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death while affected by an intoxicating substance, over the death of Ms Wren, 27, on March 2, 2022.

Family of friends of Ms Wren were present in court on Thursday morning.

The fatal crash occurred on Barrier Street in front of a popular Port Douglas restaurant at about 6pm.

Police said Mr Peterson and Ms Wren were thrown from a motorcycle after negotiating a corner, with Ms Wren transported to Mossman Hospital by paramedics.

She sustained critical injuries and later died in hospital.

Ms Wren’s death shattered the community of Port Douglas, with friends of the adored woman giving heartbreaking tributes to a “ray of sunshine” who “lived 100 lives in one.”

Port Douglas woman Shanti Wren, 27, was tragically killed in a motorcycle crash. Photo: Facebook.

At the time, friend Krystie Freyling said Ms Wren would always be remembered “for being the life of the party.”

“You seriously lit up everyone’s lives and always cheered up anyone that needed it,” she said.

“Your name will live on forever, and you will forever be spoken about.

“My heart is so broken.”

The former real estate receptionist and hospitality employee was known for her beautiful smile and vivacious personality.

Prosecutor Peter Ah Gee did not oppose bail, saying Peterson had undertakings to report regularly and to reside at a Port Douglas address.

Peterson’s solicitor, Brooke Winter, sought an October date for sentencing.

“We’ve had some fairly significant discussions with my learned friend’s office and our counsel, there will be some significant material in terms of mitigation, a psychological report and other matters that need to be attended to,” Ms Winter said.

Judge Dean Morzone KC asked why sentencing couldn’t be held on September 2.

“I am just flagging the lead time in relation to pre-sentence reports, I would prefer 14 October,” Mr Winter said.

The matter was listed for sentence on October 16 at 11am and Peterson’s bail was enlarged.

Originally published as Joshua Andrew Peterson pleads guilty to charges over crash which killed Shanti Wren