Disqualified learner driver sentenced to jail for fatal crash
A disqualified learner driver responsible for a horrific head-on collision which killed her father and a two year old girl in 2017 has been sentenced to jail today. More than 15 distraught family members and supporters howled when she was led into custody.
A disqualified learner driver responsible for a horrific head-on collision which killed her father and a two-year-old girl was sentenced at Campbelltown District Court today to 4½ years jail.
More than 15 distraught family members and supporters howled when Penina Nauer, 22, of Griffith, was led into custody with cries of “it’s not fair” echoing throughout the courthouse.
Nauer, who gave birth to her first child in January, had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous driving causing death, two counts of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm and driving while disqualified.
On November 28, 2017 Nauer, then 20, was behind the wheel of a Toyota HiAce passenger van driving from Mt Druitt to Sydney airport for a family holiday to Samoa.
Despite her learner’s licence being disqualified two months earlier, Nauer took over driving at her father Antonio’s request because he was suffering cramps and she “felt sorry” for him.
Nauer’s father was not aware his daughter’s learners licence had been disqualified.
Travelling on Mamre Rd in Kemps Creek just before 1.40pm, Nauer fell asleep at the wheel and the HiAce collided head-on with another van.
During his judgment Judge Chris O’Brien described how the deceased two-year-old child was “violently ejected” from the vehicle as a result of the crash.
Nauer’s 23-year-old sister suffered two broken legs and a nine-month-old family member also suffered a fractured leg. Seven people were taken to hospital as a result of the crash.
A post-crash investigation also found none of three child seats were correctly fitted.
Nauer, wearing a red floral dress, closed her eyes and held her hands together for most of the judgment, only glancing back to her family when Mr O’Brien declared a 4½-year custodial sentence.
He took into consideration Nauer’s age, extensive family support, three-month-old daughter and her genuine remorse.
Nauer will be eligible for parole on September 20, 2021 and will be disqualified from driving for a further three years.
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