New adult-crime, adult-time laws mean teen charged in fatal e-bike crash could get 14 years
A 15-year-old boy charged over an e-bike crash that killed an eight-year-old child could face up to 14 years in jail under Queensland's tough new youth crime laws.
A 15-year-old boy charged over an e-bike crash that killed an eight-year-old boy last month could face up to 14 years in jail under Queensland’s Adult Crime, Adult Time laws.
The boy, who can’t be named, was charged with one count each of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, unlicensed driving, unregistered vehicle and uninsured vehicle after the fatal crash on October 30.
Dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death is one of 33 laws under the Queensland Government’s Adult Crime, Adult Time legislation.
The maximum sentence for youth offenders doubled from seven years to 14 years when the legislation passed late last year.
Emergency crews were called to reports of a crash between two e-bike riders at 3.36pm on October 30 on the path near the Kawana Way and Sunshine Mwy interchange at Mountain Creek.
Police say Mountain Creek boy Zeke Hondow died that evening, after being taken to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.
Officers from the Sunshine Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit have charged the 15-year-old boy following an investigation.
The Buderim teen was arrested yesterday, November 18.
The boy was bailed and was due to appear in Maroochydore Children’s Court on 26 November. Zeke’s funeral was on November 13.
In a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Acting Detective Inspector Peter Hocken said despite the case being before the courts, investigations were still open in relation to other matters.
Acting Detective Inspector Hocken said both boys were allegedly riding illegal e-bikes, however the eight-year-old was under the supervision of a family member at the time.
He said there was no information to suggest the alleged victim was riding the bike dangerously.
The seasoned detective said they will allege the 15-year-old was “to blame” for the crash.
“As you can understand it’s a tragedy on all ends,” he said.
“One family has lost their eight-year-old child in front of another family member and likewise a 15-year-old is now before the courts on serious charges.
“I hope there’s some preventable measures coming out of this in the future.”
Acting Detective Inspector confirmed the 15-year-old was charged under Adult Crime Adult Time as he was part of the youth justice process, but said it would be a matter for the courts on how they proceed with it.
Acting Detective Inspector Hocken believed the maximum sentence this teenager could face was extensive time in prison, but again said it was a matter for the courts.
Sunshine Coast Superintendent Brad Inskip said their hearts went out to everyone involved in the tragedy, but reiterated it was a timely reminder of the dangers of those devices.
Superintendent Inskip said he wanted to send a message to parents or caregivers who planned to buy electric mobility devices for their children for Christmas that they needed to be aware of the legalities of them.
The senior officer said any modifications done to these e-bikes which increased the speed made them illegal to ride on the roads.
“They’re not experienced bike riders or car drivers and they’re partaking in risky behaviour at high speeds, much higher than the 25km/h that they should be ridden,” he said.
“This incident we’re talking about today is one of two recent deaths relating to these but if nothing’s done we’re likely to see more.
“They’re not toys, they shouldn’t be considered toys.”
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Originally published as New adult-crime, adult-time laws mean teen charged in fatal e-bike crash could get 14 years
