Joshua Wright awaits sentence for fatal Sutherland crash

The family of a young man tragically killed in a horrific car crash has spoken about the teen’s life which he “lived to the full” with his death having an “immeasurable loss”.

Joshua Wright will be sentenced after he crashed his car into a power pole, killing his 17-year-old friend, on Rawson Ave on April 18 last year following a short police pursuit.

A highly emotional father and grandfather of a young man tragically killed in a horrific car crash in Sutherland have spoken about the teen’s life who they described as “energetic” and “loved riding motorbikes” with his death having an “immeasurable” loss on his family.

A 17-year-old boy, who is unable to be named, was killed when his mate Joshua Marcus Wright, 22, crashed his car into a power pole on Rawson Ave on April 18 last year following a short police pursuit.

Wright pleaded guilty to aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death and aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

Victim impact statements were read aloud in Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday during Wright’s sentencing hearing.

The court was also played in-car police video of the chase which indicated officers pursued Wright at speeds of up to 190km/h and showed Wright overtook a semi-trailer on the left side in a bicycle lane only moments before the crash.

The scene of the crash on Rawson Ave in Sutherland. Picture: Julian Andrews

The young boy’s father said his son was “so excited for his 18th birthday” and he described his son as “caring, kind and a considerate young boy” who “lived life to the full”.

The father said his son was a “fantastic sportsman, loved riding motorbikes and all things adventure” who was determined to be a builder and got an apprenticeship.

Police at the scene following the collision. Picture: Julian Andrews

The father said his son’s death had taken an “enormous toll” on his family and the teen’s friends, and he struggled to do simple tasks or ride his motorbike because it triggered memories of happier times with his son.

He said he struggled to enjoy life, his son’s mother struggled in social situations and to return to full time work, and his other children’s lives had also been changed forever.

“No sentence will serve as justice and bring [him] back,” the father said.

He said he struggled to understand how his son’s death had occurred when there were so many advertisements about dangerous driving, which had not deterred Wright.

“[My son’s] death was absolutely avoidable,’ he said.

The court heard Sutherland Traffic and Highway Patrol officers attempted to stop a Ford Falcon for a random breath test about 4.14am but Wright did not stop and about two and a half minutes later struck a pole.

A roadside memorial tribute was made by the teen’s friend.

Police arrived at the crash site and removed all occupants, rendering first aid until paramedics arrived however the teen died at the scene.

Wright and a second passenger, 21 at the time, were taken to St George Hospital where they underwent surgery.

In court, the teen’s grandfather also spoke about his grandson who he shared “a special bond” with and who he took motorbike riding, fishing and coached his rugby league team.

“He was a terrific grandson,” he said.” Special days like Christmas and birthdays have become days of mourning”.

The grandfather said he had suffered two types of grief also seeing the effect his grandson’s death had on his son and family.

“I have [my grandson’s] ashes at my place. I’m his keeper now, as I was in his younger years when he used to stay for sleepovers,” he said.