October 23, 2025

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Case Overview
A 23-year-old man, Jack Bowd, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges arising from a head-on collision that killed four people on the Newell Highway near Tomingley, in New South Wales, in September 2024.

Appearing before Dubbo Local Court on Thursday, October 23, 2025, Mr Bowd formally entered not guilty pleas to four counts of dangerous driving causing death, driving while not wearing a seatbelt properly fastened, driving with two passengers not properly restrained, and mid-range drink driving.

The crash claimed the lives of his two friends — Lochie Jacobs, 18, and Joey Urban, 19, both from Molong — and married couple Sue and Grahame Tait, both aged 57, from Parkes. Mr Bowd was the sole survivor of the ute involved in the collision.

He remains on bail while awaiting trial.

“Jack Bowd has pleaded not guilty to four counts of dangerous driving causing the deaths of his friends Lochie Jacobs and Joey Urban, and parents of five Sue and Grahame Tait.” — ABC Western Plains

Crash Background

  • Crash Date: Friday, September 27, 2024 (approximately 9:30 pm)
  • Location: Newell Highway, approximately 35 km south of Dubbo near Tomingley, NSW
  • Vehicles: Ute driven by Jack Bowd and a van driven by Grahame Tait, carrying his wife, Sue Tait.
  • Fatalities: Four — Lochie Jacobs (18), Joey Urban (19), Sue Tait (57), and Grahame Tait (57).
  • Survivor: Jack Bowd (driver of ute), sustained leg injuries and was treated in hospital.

Charges

Mr Bowd faces the following charges:

  • Four counts of **dangerous driving occasioning death**
  • One count of **mid-range drink driving**
  • One count of **driving while not wearing a seatbelt properly fastened**
  • Two counts of **driving with passengers not properly restrained**

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

“He also pleaded not guilty to a mid-range drink driving charge.” — ABC Western Plains

Court Details

  • Court: Dubbo Local Court (to proceed to Dubbo District Court)
  • Next Appearance: Arraignment on December 8, 2025, when a trial date will be set.
  • Status: On bail.

Victims and Community Impact
The crash devastated two local communities — Parkes and Molong — and left five children without their parents.

Sue and Grahame Tait, long-term Parkes residents, were described as devoted parents and respected community members. Ms Tait worked at the Parkes Early Childhood Centre, known for her “big, beautiful laugh” and love for children, while Mr Tait was a coach driver and hobbyist collector of books and gramophones.

Friends of Joey Urban and Lochie Jacobs described them as “two great mates” whose friendship and energy “lit up every room.” Memorials have been established along the Newell Highway near the crash site, including crosses, flowers, and tributes left by locals.

“You couldn’t help but smile and enjoy yourself whenever the pair were around.” — Friend of Joey and Lochie

Legal Proceedings
During Thursday’s hearing, Bowd’s lawyer formally entered not guilty pleas to all charges. The case will now proceed to the Dubbo District Court, where he will be arraigned on December 8, 2025. A trial date is expected to be scheduled at that time.

If convicted, Bowd faces significant custodial penalties, including lengthy imprisonment under NSW road death legislation.

Investigation Summary
The NSW Police Crash Investigation Unit previously determined that alcohol and high speed were possible contributing factors in the head-on collision, which occurred at night along a high-speed stretch of the Newell Highway.

Bowd’s blood alcohol content at the time was allegedly within the mid-range drink-driving category, and investigators also noted improper seatbelt use by occupants of the ute.

“Mr Bowd was charged after being released from hospital where he was treated for leg injuries.” — ABC Western Plains

Appeal for Information
Police have asked any additional witnesses who travelled the Newell Highway near Tomingley on the night of September 27, 2024, to come forward or provide dashcam footage relevant to the ongoing prosecution.