Bradley Andrew McStay jailed for killing mistress’ new man after car chase
A jealous concreter who chased his former mistress before he ploughed into her new lover has found out his fate for the shocking fatal crash.
A jilted concreter hit and killed his mistress’ new lover following a wild car chase southeast of Melbourne.
Bradley Andrew McStay pleaded guilty to culpable driving causing death and was ordered to serve 6½ years behind bars in the Supreme Court of Victoria on Tuesday.
Claps rang out in the courtroom as McStay was led into custody.
The married man was on the phone to his former mistress Katreece Knapp as he pursued her and her new flame Luke Price at 130km/h at Yannathan in February 2020.
Ms Knapp threatened to tell McStay’s wife about the affair, the court was told.
“Do you really want to die?” he asked her during the chase.
The woman was in the car with her new beau and two others who pulled over on Heads Rd to confront the scorned lover after midnight on February 11.
The court was told that McStay was “jealous and possessive” of Ms Knapp who tried to end their romantic connection.
McStay smashed into his love rival, who had stepped out of the vehicle, and dragged him under the car for 58m.
Before the shocking crash, McStay said to a friend: “I’m gonna f***ing turn soon, I’m gonna do some hectic sh*t.”
His 34-year-old victim suffered massive injuries, including a fractured skull, and died at the scene.
It was an unusual case and McStay was “not even aware he (Mr Price) stepped out of the vehicle” when he clipped the other car and hit the man, Justice Michael Croucher said in his sentencing remarks.
“In the hurly burly of this incident he did not see Mr Price,” Justice Croucher said.
McStay drove a bit further on before returning to the scene.
“I’m gonna be in a lot of trouble, I’ve stuffed up,” a visibly distressed McStay said to officers at the scene.
The victim’s father spoke out about his heartbreak at not being able to share Christmas with his son and all the things he would miss out on in future.
“I recall sitting at my Christmas dinner table in tears waiting for him to walk out the door with his children for our first Christmas together in years, as we spoke about this for ages,” David Price said during the pre-sentence hearing.
The court was told that McStay was an excellent prospect of rehabilitation, had started a new business and worked hard to support his children. He also pleaded guilty at an early stage and was remorseful, the judge found.
“For what it's worth, to Mr Price’s family, I’m sorry for your loss. It must be horrible,” Justice Croucher said.
McStay must serve at least 3½ years before he is eligible for parole.