Kelly Renee Liddicoat found guilty of dangerous operation causing death in bus mechanic deaths trial

The families of two young Sunshine Coast mechanics who were hit and killed by a woman driving a BMW have spoken out after the emotional eight-day trial came to its conclusion.

The families of two young men killed after they were hit by a BMW driver while repairing a bus have called for justice for their boys.

Warana woman Kelly Renee Liddicoat, 44, pleaded not guilty in the Maroochydore District Court on October 9 to a lone charge of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance.

A forensic physician who tested Ms Liddicoat’s blood after the incident told the court during the trial that there was no alcohol detected, but there were a number of prescription drugs including valium, Seroquel and lyrica.

Aaron Pitt, 25.

She was accused of hitting and killing Baringa man Lleyton Bartlett, 22, and Currimundi man Aaron Pitt, 25, with a white BMW while the duo repaired a broken down bus on Nambour Connection Rd at Woombye on April 21, 2022.

On Wednesday, October 18, a jury found her guilty after less than two hours of deliberation.

Liddicoat mouthed “I’m sorry, Mum” from the dock after the verdict was read out.

Emotions ran high in the courtroom as the verdict was handed down, with a whisper of cheers from the public gallery and loud cries from the defendant.

The families of Mr Bartlett and Mr Pitt sobbed and hugged each other, while an emotional Liddicoat was escorted to a private room.

Outside the courtroom, Mr Pitt’s father Rob Pitt thanked Crown prosecutor Rebecca Marks and a police officer who helped build the case and supported the two families during the ordeal.

He also thanked the witnesses for their courage in coming forward to give evidence.

Lleyton Bartlett, 22.

“We just can’t thank them enough, the families are extremely grateful,” he said.

He said the verdict meant “justice for (their) boys” but the feeling of getting a guilty verdict was still sinking in.

The legion of supporters who spent the last eight days with the Pitts and the Bartletts included family members, some of which had come from far and wide, and friends of Aaron and Lleyton, Mr Pitt said.

“We couldn’t get through all of this without them,” he said.

Aaron and Lleyton were both described as “two genuine, lovely boys” who were dearly loved.

“(They were) great tradesmen, friends to many, and incredibly missed,” Mr Pitt said.

Liddicoat will not be sentenced until December 11, 2023.

There was no application for bail and she was remanded in custody.

Her family, huddled tightly together as they left the courthouse, did not comment.

Originally published as Kelly Renee Liddicoat found guilty of dangerous operation causing death in bus mechanic deaths trial