Teenager, 17, alleged to have caused fatal crash near Brisbane appears in court

The lawyer for the teenager charged with the murder of a couple after a horror crash near Brisbane has spoken outside court.

The 17-year-old teenager charged with the murder of a couple after a fatal crash east of Brisbane will remain behind bars until his next court appearance.

Katherine Leadbetter, 31 and her partner Matthew Field, 37, were killed while walking their dogs on Australia Day after being struck by an allegedly stolen Landcruiser at the intersection of Vienna and Finucane Roads at Alexandra Hills at 5.30pm.

Matthew Field and Kate Leadbetter were killed while walking their dogs on Australia Day. Picture from Facebook

Tragically, Ms Leadbetter was pregnant when she died.

Police allege the Waterford West teenager – who cannot be identified for legal reasons – was behind the wheel of the 4WD and had run a red light, colliding with a truck before the 4WD rolled and struck the couple.

The teen is alleged to have fled the scene.

His matter was briefly mentioned at Brisbane Children’s Court on Wednesday, charged with two counts of murder, one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle (adversely affected by an intoxicating substance), two counts of burglary and one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and attempted unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Media was granted access to report on the proceedings by Magistrate Rosemary Gilbert after successfully applying to sit in the courtroom.

Police officers at the scene of the double fatal at Alexandra Hills. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Under Queensland law, media are not permitted to report on Children’s Court matters unless specific exemptions are made.

The child’s defence lawyer, Patrick Horgan, opposed the media’s application, arguing his client’s right to a fair trial outweighed the public interest in the matter.

Mr Horgan said his client was at risk of being prejudiced before the matter would be finalised.

But Magistrate Gilbert determined the matters were well within the public interest due to the seriousness of the charges.

The teenager was arrested at a nearby property. Picture: Steve Pohlner

She adjourned the matters to March 24 to allow prosecutors to prepare a brief of evidence.

No application for bail was made and the teenager was remanded in custody.

Outside court Mr Horgan said it had been a “very traumatic experience for everyone involved” but declined to comment further.

Police allege the 17-year-old had stolen the 4WD from an address in Cleveland between 4pm and 5pm on Tuesday.

Prior to the fatal crash, the teen is alleged to have deliberately collided with another car at the same intersection before driving off.

After fleeing the fatal crash at 5.30pm, the teen is alleged to have stolen a set of keys from a house in Kingston Avenue and tried to start a car in the garage.

A still from a video, captured by a passing motorist, that allegedly depicts the teenager deliberately colliding with another car. Picture: Facebook

He was tackled by a resident and arrested at the nearby Chelsea Crescent.

Tributes have flowed for Ms Leadbetter and Mr Fields in the wake of their tragic deaths.

A vigil has been organised for Wednesday night, with people asked to “bring a light to shine for the three lives lost” to the corner of Finucane and Vienna Roads at 6pm.

Mr Field and Ms Leadbetter have been fondly remembered by neighbours in the wake of their tragic deaths. Picture: Facebook

Acting Commissioner Brian Codd told reporters on Wednesday support was being offered to the families, as well as witnesses and first responders who tried to keep the couple alive.

“The family are devastated,” he said.

“Here were two people going about their business innocently, walking their dog on Australia Day. They should be entitled to do that.

“To have them ripped away from their families is an absolute tragedy … It shouldn’t happen.”

The couple’s dog Frankie, who was reported missing after the crash, was found deep in bushland after residents scoured the area.