Matt Field, Kate Leadbetter deaths: AG appeals teen’s sentence

The parents of Matt Field have welcomed the Attorney-General’s decision to appeal the sentence given to the teen driver who killed their son, his partner and their unborn child.

The parents of Matt Field have welcomed a decision by the Attorney-General to appeal the sentence handed down to the teen driver who killed their son, his partner and their unborn baby.

Shannon Fentiman has formally appealed the sentence handed down to the drunk, drug-addled driver who killed Matt, his partner Kate Leadbetter and their unborn son Miles while the couple were walking their dogs at Alexandra Hills on Australia Day last year.

The youth, who was 17 at the time of the crash, was last week sentenced to 10 years’ jail, but was to be released on parole after serving six years, including time already spent behind bars.

It would mean he will be released on Australia Day in 2027.

Matt Field and Kate Leadbetter.

Russell and Ann Field released a statement saying “this is not a political issue, it is a moral issue”.

“We thank the Attorney-General and hope the appeal is swift and results in a more appropriate sentence in line with the community’s expectations for the three beautiful lives that were so tragically cut short, as well as the countless others that have been destroyed as a result,” the statement read.

“This is not a political issue, it is a moral issue, every family deserves justice and we appreciate the bipartisan support we have received for our petition.

“ While today’s decision is a good start, there is still a long way to go to change the laws so other families don’t have to go through what we have been through.

“The deaths of Matthew, Kate and Miles must not be in vain.”

Ann and Russell Field. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Mr and Mrs Field also acknowledged Redland City Mayor Karen Williams, David Crisafulli, Don Brown and the “many other community leaders” for signing their petition.

“This tragedy must prompt the lawmakers of Queensland to change the Youth Justice Act and persuade judges to hand down sentences that match community expectation,” the statement read.

“They don’t only owe it to Matthew, Kate and Miles – they owe it to every family who has lost a loved one or suffered in some way as a result of a repeat juvenile offender,

“We need as many people as possible to sign the petition to the state parliament calling for the Youth Justice Act to be changed and then we need our State leaders to stand up and be counted by making those changes as soon as possible,

“We are going to take some time to absorb today’s decision before commenting further and would appreciate everyone respecting our wishes and privacy.”

A tribute to Matthew Field, Kate Leadbetter and Miles in Redland City

Ms Fentiman said the grounds of appeal were that the sentence of manslaughter was manifestly inadequate.

“Particularly as the judge had determined that the offence was a heinous offence.”

Ms Fentiman said the Government had made significant changes to youth justice laws over the last 12 months that were prompted by the tragedy.

“Community safety is our primary concern,” she said.

Mr Field’s heartbroken parents Russell and Ann Field launched a parliamentary petition to protest the teenage killer’s sentence.

Both families branded the sentence “manifestly inadequate’’ and wanted it reviewed and appealed, and called for law changes through a petition that has so far attracted more than 45,000 signatures.

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman

Redland Mayor Karen Williams, a prime mover of the petition, welcomed the appeal as a good start but said there was still much to be done.

“As a community we stand with the families of Matthew and Kate,” Cr Williams said.

“Today’s announcement from the Attorney-General that she will appeal this completely insufficient sentence is a good start, but it is far from the end of this fight.

“Today’s decision shows what can be achieved when the community stands together and we need that to continue to ensure the Youth Justice Act is amended.

“We don’t want any other families to go through what Matthew and Kate’s parents have gone through.”

Originally published as Matt Field, Kate Leadbetter deaths: AG appeals teen’s sentence