September 9, 2025

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Case Overview
Two teenagers have been charged following a fatal crash during a police pursuit in the NSW Upper Hunter on Saturday night, September 6, 2025. A 17-year-old front-seat passenger was killed when a stolen vehicle, allegedly driven by a 14-year-old boy, crashed north of Scone after police attempted to stop it for speeding on the New England Highway near Aberdeen.

The alleged driver, aged 14, has been charged with multiple offences including dangerous driving occasioning death and car theft. A 17-year-old rear passenger has also been charged in relation to the theft of the vehicle, while another 14-year-old boy will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act. A 25-year-old passenger remains in hospital under police guard.

“The alleged driver, a 14-year-old boy, has been charged with dangerous and aggravated driving occasioning death, as well as car theft.” — NSW Police

Court Details

  • Hearing Date: Tuesday, 9 September 2025 (first appearance)
  • Court: Children’s Court, New South Wales
  • Defendant: 14-year-old boy (alleged driver)
  • Status: Granted conditional bail to reappear later this month

Charges

  • Dangerous driving occasioning death
  • Aggravated driving occasioning death
  • Car theft
  • Additional charges possible as investigation progresses

Background to Offence

  • Police spotted the vehicle speeding through Aberdeen just before midnight on Saturday, 6 September 2025.
  • Checks revealed it had been reported stolen from a business in Wallsend, Newcastle, over 140 km from the crash site.
  • The pursuit continued north along the New England Highway until the vehicle crashed near Scone.
  • The 17-year-old front passenger and the 14-year-old driver were both trapped in the wreckage; the passenger died, while the driver was airlifted to hospital.
  • A 25-year-old passenger was hospitalised and remains under police guard; a 17-year-old and another 14-year-old passenger were treated for injuries.

Victim Impact
The death of the 17-year-old passenger has shocked the Tamworth and Upper Hunter communities. He was one of several teenagers in the stolen vehicle, raising deep concern about youth crime and high-risk driving in regional NSW.

Community Impact
The crash has intensified public debate over police pursuits, youth offending, and stolen vehicles in regional towns. NSW Police confirmed that the incident is a critical incident investigation, subject to oversight by the Professional Standards Command and the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

Next Steps
The 14-year-old driver will reappear in the NSW Children’s Court later this month. The 17-year-old rear passenger also faces court on theft charges, while the second 14-year-old will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act. The independent review of the pursuit remains ongoing.