Christopher Hughes sentenced for manslaughter of Jennifer Board

The judge sentencing Christopher Hughes has told him his actions were much worse than that of a vigilante. Here’s why.

Christopher Hughes sentenced for manslaughter of Jennifer Board

The self-styled Townsville ‘vigilante’ who was chasing a stolen vehicle when he crashed into Jennifer Board has learnt his fate for causing the aspiring police officer’s death.

Christopher Michael Hughes, 25, was the driver of the Holden Statesman in February 2021 which lost control before it struck 22-year-old Jennifer Board, who was travelling in the opposite direction.

The crash on Ross River Road near Weir State School sent ripples through the Townsville community, with her death a catalyst for strengthened laws and a stark reminder of what could happen when it all goes wrong.

Hughes, who was sentenced in the Townsville Supreme Court on Friday, November 3, is facing a 12-year jail sentence and will never be able to hold a drivers’ licence again.

The last photo Jennifer Board and her sister Siana got together before Jen was killed on February 5, 2021.

He was originally charged with murder over the crash, later downgraded to manslaughter after he indicated he would plead guilty to the lesser charge.

Hughes’ passengers were also livestreaming the car chase via a group phone call to a Facebook group called ‘MOB’, dedicated to tracking and finding stolen cars in Townsville.

Jennifer Board on the motorcycle she was riding when she was struck and killed in Townsville on Friday. Speculation is mounting around the circumstances of her tragic passing.

Justice Martin Burns said he wouldn’t call Hughes’ behaviour vigilantism.

“I cannot agree with the description of this as vigilante behaviour. My understanding of vigilantism is someone acting out of a sense of injustice, this wasn’t that,” Justice Burns said.

“He was engaged in this for the thrill of the chase, and for the amusement of the group. That is what makes this so serious.”

After the sentence was read out, both the Board and Hughes families were overcome with emotion.

Ms Board’s sister Siana Board read a victim impact statement to court.

Jennifer Board.

“In her last moments, she faced brutality … you claim to be an enforcer of justice Chris Hughes, but your actions were anything but just,” she said.

“Our community does not need more people like you, who bring pain.”

Siana revealed her calendar is still synched with her sister’s, and every month she receives a notification for bike insurance.

“A joy that would get her killed,” she said of the motorcycle.

“Every article in the media sends me into a pit of despair, the mere mention of her name, a picture, is a constant trigger of pain … her pictures, they get older.”

Ms Board was from a tight-knit, loving family who went on holidays to Peru together and had Sunday dinners – she’d just sat her police admittance exam, and was the proud owner of a new orange motorcycle.

The court heard that in contrast, Hughes’ parents were severe drug addicts, his father died in a head-on collision with a truck, and his grandparents raised him.

Chris Hughes.

His troubled family life was why he was chasing the stolen Hyundai that night – believing his cousin was inside the stolen vehicle, and Hughes wanted to “get him”.

When the stolen Hyundai braked suddenly near some traffic lights, Hughes’ car hit the rear bumper and lost control, ploughing into oncoming traffic.

Police estimate Hughes was travelling between 120 and 130km/h in the 60km/h zone.

Hughes had a criminal history, containing one assault, and a lengthy traffic history.

Numerous cautions, a disqualification, and good behaviour conditions followed.

Chris Hughes.

Hughes has been in jail since February 8, 2021 – three days after the crash – and has already served 998 days in custody.

Defence lawyer Frank Richards said Hughes was suffering in custody, where he’d been diagnosed with PTSD from the collision.

“His time in custody has been relatively difficult, he’s been subject to a number of assaults and threats,” Mr Richards said.

“That’s in context of prisoners who are aware of (the crash) in North Queensland, largely due to the news reporting, be it correct or incorrect.”

In court, Hughes clutched a paper filled with small writing, and asked if he could read out an apology to Ms Board’s family.

“To the family and friends of Ms Board, firstly I would like to send my heartfelt condolences for the loss of Ms Board. I couldn’t imagine the pain you must all be feeling, but from the bottom of my heart I am sincerely sorry,” he said.

Mr Hughes’ Holden Statesman after the crash.

“I know there will always be anger, hatred and disrespect towards me and I will always accept that as my stupid decisions took the life of your beautiful daughter.

“I would like you all to know it wasn’t my intention to go out and hurt anyone that night, my reckless driving was to blame, I’ve taken full responsibility for my actions and will accept whatever punishment I may get. Once again, I am so very sorry for your loss and I really hope this can give you some form of closure.”

Hughes breathed raggedly while the judge was delivering his sentence, his head shaking slightly as he fought to stand up straight and await Judgement.

New laws were introduced after the death of Ms Board, Matthew Field, Katherine Leadbetter and their unborn child.

This included the presumption against bail for repeat youth offenders and ankle bracelets for some young offenders.

Originally published as Christopher Hughes sentenced for manslaughter of Jennifer Board