Jennifer Board remembered by mother as heartfelt statement read in Townsville Supreme Court

A heartbroken mother shared the “life sentence” imposed on their family since the loss of their “inspiring” daughter as the last person responsible for her death was jailed.

Jennifer Board

In the Townsville Supreme Court, the sentencing of Gregory Clubb for the manslaughter of Jennifer Board was meant to deliver justice.

Instead, it served as a poignant reminder of the vibrant life extinguished on February 5, 2021.

Jennifer, a cherished daughter and inspiring sister, left behind a family engulfed in grief.

During the proceedings, a heartfelt letter from Ms Board’s mother was read aloud by the prosecutor.

The letter painted a vivid picture of the family’s heartache and the unravelling of their lives since the tragic loss of Jennifer, an enthusiastic motorcyclist and aspiring police officer.

Her life was cut short by the reckless actions of two drivers.

“A lifetime sentence has been imposed on our family with no chance of parole and no possibility of appeal due to the irresponsible, unlawful, senseless acts from a few self-righteous individuals,” it read.

Ms Board’s mother, visibly emotional, sat at the back of the courtroom, surrounded by her partner and family, as her words resonated through the room.

The mother sat teary eyed at the back of the courtroom as her own words were shared with the court, surrounded by her partner and family.

She said that the day of Ms Board’s death started out as a happy one, as it was her granddaughter’s third birthday.

Jennifer Board.

“Jen had only been talking to her and her family in the couple of hours before this incomprehensible and senseless chain of events were about to happen,” she said.

“She had then rung me and we made plans for Sunday night dinner. She was happy, upbeat and excited about having just sat her entrance exam into the police force academy and was heading off on her newly acquired motorcycle to go riding with friends.”

When she received the phone call and arrived at the Weir State School car park, she was tragically greeted by police and ambulance and realised “it was actually happening”.

“Once the police confirmed that it was Jen I then had the anguishing task of ringing her brother and sisters to tell them before they found out on Facebook and let them know they had lost another one of their sisters,” she said.

Her mother said the family lost another sister seven years ago and was still grieving.

“We needed only one single thing to have changed, either the lights could’ve changed earlier, if I had spoken to her a little longer, or the people involved had changed their behaviour, but it was not to be.”

She spoke of the “shock and disbelief” that spread not only in their family but in the “Townsville community” and around the country.

Scenes from the memorial for Jennifer Board.

“How could this have happened to such a bubbly, outgoing, inspiring, young person who had her whole life ahead of her,” she said.

“Instead of planning for dinner Sunday night I now had to plan a funeral.”

Ms Board’s mum acknowledged the memorial events that followed and the amount of people who reached out with support and prayers, having been touched by her beloved daughter.

“As Covid restrictions were in place at the time of her funeral we were only allowed to have a maximum of 200 people attend her funeral,” she said.

“In the first 24 hours after the tragic event I had over 2000 people register that they wanted to attend.

“Jen loved life and inspired so many people to reach and achieve their goals.

“All these dreams, hopes and talents were all taken away in an instant because of a few irresponsible people who did not think or care of the consequences of their unlawful, dangerous behaviour.”

In 2022 the family received requests from the public and mainly the motorcycle community of which Ms Board was a part of to host a memorial ride.

“We ran a charity ride to the Heritage Tea Rooms, one of Jen’s favourite places,” she said.

“The first (ride) 75 bikes took part. This year, we had around 135 bikes which was a sight to see. Many of the riders wore orange.

Memorial rally for Jennifer Board near the accident site on Ross River Road, close to Weir State School. Motorcycle riders arrive at the rally. Picture: Evan Morgan

“This ride has raised substantial funds and handmade items in Jen’s name and all proceeds have been donated to Brighter Lives Foundation for the babies and children at Townsville University Hospital, a charity Jen supported.”

She took a moment to thank people across Townsville for their support, the motorcycle community and police officers who had kept them informed over the years.

“Thanks also to the Townsville City Council for providing a memorial site for Jen and maintaining it at the Weir State School,” she said.

“Jen, you will always be remembered. We will never forget you and never stop loving you.”

Originally published as Jennifer Board remembered by mother as heartfelt statement read in Townsville Supreme Court