Sarah Paino death: Father’s anguish as killer driver returns to the streets

The father of a pregnant young mum who was killed in a horror crash says he is still brought to tears by the “immense” pain his daughter’s death has left in the hearts of those who loved her.

Sarah Paino was 33 weeks pregnant when she was killed, but surgeons were able to miraculously deliver her unborn baby.

SARAH Paino’s father Michael does not feel he will ever be able to forgive the teenager responsible for his daughter’s death.

Ms Paino was 24 years old and 33 weeks pregnant when a teenager fleeing police in a stolen SUV ran a red light at more than twice the speed limit and slammed into her small car in central Hobart on January 22, 2016.

Ms Paino died at the scene but surgeons were able to miraculously deliver her unborn baby, Caleb, a short time later at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Her then two-year-old toddler, Jordan, was properly restrained in the back seat and escaped with only minor injuries. The unlicensed driver, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was released from prison on parole earlier this month after serving less than four years of a five-year maximum sentence for one count of manslaughter.

KILLER DRIVER RELEASED FROM JAIL

READ THE FULL PAROLE BOARD REPORT HERE

Mr Paino yesterday said the sentence did not reflect the gravity of the crime.

“The time served doesn’t justify what he has done. It should have been at least 15 to 20 years,” he said.

“It sends a message to other teenagers that they will only get a slap on the wrist and a couple of years in prison for stealing a car and killing someone.”

Mr Paino is still brought to tears when he thinks about the “immense” pain his daughter’s death has left in the hearts of those who loved her.

He told the Mercury the family was still working to rebuild their lives.

“We’ve got to live with it every day — trying to tell a five-year-old and three-year-old that their mummy is watching down on them from heaven,” Mr Paino said.

“I don’t think I could ever forgive him. He didn’t show remorse in court and I expect he will just brush it off now that he’s been released.”

The Parole Board labelled the then 15-year-old’s offending “horrendous” and said victim impact statements provided by Ms Paino’s partner and mother were considered.

“The extent of their loss is beyond comprehension,” the decision reads.

“As a result of his actions a family have been left bereft of their partner and mother and a child has had a premature and abrupt entry into the world.

“For that child, their birthday will forever be a reminder of the death of their mother.”