October 15, 2025

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Case Overview
A Derby man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for the manslaughter of his cousin, who was killed in a high-speed crash on the North West Coastal Highway in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

Joash Alec Green, now 34, pleaded guilty to manslaughter after driving nearly five times over the legal alcohol limit and attempting to overtake another vehicle, resulting in a head-on collision near Cleaverville Road, between Karratha and Roebourne, on September 4, 2024.

His cousin and passenger, Mark Rogers, was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered a traumatic brain injury, dying at the scene when the car rolled off the road.

Justice Bruno Fiannaca, in his sentencing remarks, described the crash as “entirely avoidable” and said Green had driven “with reckless disregard for the safety of others.”

“You were prepared to drive a vehicle with a defect with reckless disregard for the safety of others.” — Justice Bruno Fiannaca, WA Supreme Court

Court Details

  • Hearing Date: Wednesday, 15 October 2025
  • Court: Supreme Court of Western Australia, Perth
  • Presiding Judge: Justice Bruno Fiannaca
  • Defendant: Joash Alec Green, 34, from Derby, Western Australia
  • Offences: Manslaughter (guilty plea)

Crash Background

  • Date of Crash: 4 September 2024
  • Location: North West Coastal Highway near Cleaverville Road, between Karratha and Roebourne, Western Australia
  • Vehicle: Holden Commodore sedan driven by Green (defective vehicle, no headlights at dusk)
  • Speed Zone: 110 km/h

Green, who was on a provisional licence, was legally required to have a zero blood alcohol concentration, but recorded 0.244% BAC — nearly five times over the limit — three hours after the crash.

The court heard he had been drinking heavily following a relationship breakdown and was driving erratically before the collision. Multiple drivers were forced to swerve onto the road shoulder to avoid him before the final impact occurred.

“It was remarkable that the driver of the other vehicle was not seriously injured.” — Justice Bruno Fiannaca

Victim Details

  • Deceased: Mark Rogers, passenger and cousin of Joash Green, suffered fatal head injuries after being thrown from the vehicle.
  • Relationship: Green described his cousin as “a brother” and expressed deep remorse during sentencing.

Sentencing and Penalties

  • Sentence: Seven (7) years’ imprisonment
  • Non-Parole Period: Five (5) years — eligible for parole in **September 2029**
  • Licence Disqualification: Disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence for **seven years**, commencing after release from prison
  • Additional Orders: Recommended enrolment in an **intensive alcohol rehabilitation program** during custody

“It is important rehabilitation steps are taken to ensure he never gets in a vehicle while affected by alcohol again.” — Justice Bruno Fiannaca

Judicial Remarks
Justice Fiannaca described Green’s conduct as “grossly irresponsible,” noting that his driving at dusk without headlights and in a defective vehicle displayed complete disregard for public safety.

While acknowledging Green’s remorse and his guilty plea, Justice Fiannaca said the tragedy was compounded by the victim being his close relative. The judge emphasised the importance of rehabilitation to prevent further alcohol-related offending.

Community and Legal Impact
The sentencing has reignited calls for stronger enforcement of zero-alcohol conditions on provisional drivers and greater emphasis on alcohol rehabilitation in regional WA. Road safety advocates described the case as another tragic example of preventable road trauma caused by intoxication and fatigue in high-speed zones.

The crash also contributed to the rising Western Australian road toll, which remains disproportionately high in the state’s regional and remote areas.

Appeal for Awareness
The case serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of drink driving. Authorities continue to urge motorists to plan ahead, avoid driving under the influence, and ensure passengers wear seatbelts at all times.