‘Anger, sadness’: Family feels ‘let down’ by justice system after 12yo’s death

“My leg will hopefully get better ... Not having Mia there every day is harder,” Geelong dad Paul said.

The family of a 12-year-old girl who was killed in a horror car crash by a disqualified driver has urged for stricter parole and bail requirements.

On the evening of January 3 2024, 12yo Mia, her mum and dad Dani and Paul, and her 7yo sister Willow were returning home from an event in Geelong. 

Their red Holden was driving along the Hamilton Highway in Stonehaven when a Holden Commodore swerved to the other side of the road and collided with their vehicle. 

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Mia was tragically killed in a crash in January. Picture: 9News

12yo killed in crash had a “heart of gold”

Paul and Dani were rushed to hospital with serious injuries, and 7yo Willow was taken to Geelong Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Devastatingly, 12yo Mia was killed minutes after the crash. She was days away from turning 13. 

“They were trying to put her into the recovery position,” mum Dani told 9News. 

“But she wasn't responding. I sorta knew something was wrong.” 

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Dad Paul, who was in hospital for more than three months recovering from his injuries, described his 12yo daughter as a beautiful person who had a “heart of gold.” 

“[She would] do anything for anyone,” he said. 

“My leg will hopefully get better at the end of the day. Whereas not having Mia there every day, it’s harder.” 

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Mia's dad has pleaded for stricter bail and parole requirements. Picture: 9News

“Some days, I don't want to get out of bed”

The driver of the Commodore was a 28yo man who was charged with dangerous driving causing death, driving with a suspended license and two counts of dangerous driving. 

He was also charged with breaching parole and was wearing an ankle bracelet.

According to police, the driver had been released from prison in 2023 after serving a five-and-a-half-year sentence for driving offences.

Months after the tragic event, her family expressed their disappointment with the justice system that allowed the 28yo to access a vehicle again.  

Mum Dani said she hadn’t been the same since Mia’s death. 

“Anger, sadness, depression,” she reported feeling. “Some days, I don't want to get out of bed.” 

Mia’s father said they are concerned about the state’s bail and parole requirements, urging for them to be tighter to prevent other tragic events from happening. 

“I just feel let down … from the justice system itself,” he said. “Not just us. Who else has this happened to?” 

The driver in the crash has not been found guilty of the offences but will face Geelong Magistrates Court today.

Originally published as ‘Anger, sadness’: Family feels ‘let down’ by justice system after 12yo’s death