Selfish driver kills nurse : A “selfish” driver who caused the death of a mother-of-four by swerving into oncoming traffic in a suicide attempt has been denied a reduced sentence.
Michelle Wolff, 49, was speaking to her daughter on a hands-free call after working late when 21-year-old Jacob Paul Johnston intentionally drove head-on into her car.
The nurse died at the scene on the D’Aguilar Highway at Harlin, northwest of Brisbane and near the turnoff to her family farm, in December 2021.
Queensland Court Upholds Sentence for ‘Selfish’ Driver in Nurse Michelle Wolff’s Death
On Tuesday, the Queensland Court of Appeal rejected Jacob Paul Johnston’s application to challenge his 10-year prison sentence.
Justices John Bond, David Boddice, and Tom Sullivan noted Johnston’s youth and absence of a prior criminal record.
However, they stated in their written judgment that his actions ranked among the more serious cases of manslaughter involving dangerous driving.
Jacob Johnston’s Appeal Rejected After Fatal Suicide Attempt That Killed Mother-of-Four
The Queensland Court of Appeal ruled that the severe impact of Jacob Paul Johnston’s actions justified a sentence where denunciation was a key factor.
Johnston had claimed his 10-year sentence was overly harsh, arguing it failed to properly consider his mental health, remorse, and the significant injuries he sustained in the crash.
However, the appeal justices dismissed his arguments, stating, “There is no merit to [Johnston’s] contentions. The sentencing judge carefully and accurately recorded the basis upon which he was to be sentenced.
Johnston pleaded guilty and, in April 2024, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for manslaughter, along with an additional 12 months for attempting to pervert the course of justice. The second charge stemmed from his efforts to persuade a former partner to retract her statement to police about his prior suicidal intentions.
During sentencing, both Justice Paul Freeburn and Michelle Wolff’s family described Johnston’s actions as selfish.
Read More :- Police Raid Over Fatal House Fire That Killed Melbourne Woman
This was an appalling and callous act, even acknowledging your intent to end your own life,” Justice Freeburn said. “The victim impact statements describe your actions as selfish — and that is an accurate description.
Johnston will be eligible for parole in September 2030 and is expected to be deported to New Zealand upon his release.
Leave a Reply