August 26, 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
A teenage driver who caused the death of William Taylor in a high-speed crash at Burwood, Melbourne, on July 2, 2024, has been sentenced in the Victoria County Court. The boy, who was 17 at the time of the crash and cannot be named, was driving a stolen Jeep under the influence of MDMA at speeds of 129 km/h in a 60 km/h zone. He collided with Taylor’s Toyota Corolla at the intersection of Highbury and Warrigal Roads, killing the 21-year-old instantly.

“You never should have been driving at all.” — Judge Justin Lewis, Victoria County Court

Court Details

  • Hearing Date: Tuesday, 26 August 2025
  • Court: Victoria County Court
  • Presiding Judge: Judge Justin Lewis
  • Defendant: Male, aged 17 at time of offence (now 18), cannot be named due to age

Charges

  • Culpable driving causing death
  • Conduct endangering life

Sentence

  • Total sentence: 7 years and 7 months imprisonment
  • Parole eligibility: after 4 years and 6 months
  • Recommendation: Adult Parole Board to consider placement in a youth justice centre due to age

Key Findings

  • The boy was unlicensed, intoxicated on MDMA, and driving a stolen Jeep recklessly through traffic at double the speed limit.
  • Five teenage passengers in the Jeep had pleaded with him to stop before the crash.
  • After the collision, he fled the scene with his passengers and attempted to avoid police detection, including searching online about punishments for minors causing death.
  • Judge Lewis assessed the teen’s moral culpability as high, citing multiple aggravating factors.
  • Mitigation was given for his guilty plea, sparing William Taylor’s family the trauma of a trial, and his young age indicating some rehabilitation prospects.

Victim Impact
William Taylor’s family and friends provided five statements describing the profound grief caused by his death. Taylor, who had been driving to soccer training when killed, was remembered as a much-loved son and friend. Judge Lewis acknowledged the eloquence of the statements and the depth of the family’s loss.

Community Impact
The sentencing highlighted the broader risks of reckless and drug-affected driving among young, unlicensed drivers. Judge Lewis stressed the importance of deterrence, stating that a strong sentence was necessary to prevent similar tragedies in the community.

Next Steps
The boy will serve his sentence in custody, with parole eligibility after four-and-a-half years. The Adult Parole Board will determine whether his sentence should be served in a youth justice centre or adult prison.