August 27, 2025

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Case Overview
On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Canberra woman Shakira Adams, 23, pleaded guilty in the ACT Supreme Court to culpable driving causing death and driving a stolen vehicle. The charges relate to a fatal crash on Hindmarsh Drive, Canberra, on May 19, 2022, which killed Matthew McLuckie, 20. Adams, who had never held a driver’s licence, was driving a stolen car on the wrong side of the road at more than 177 km/h under the influence of multiple drugs when she collided head-on with McLuckie’s vehicle.

“Today is about justice for our son, Matthew McLuckie, who was just 20 years old when he was killed in a horrific crash on Hindmarsh Drive.” — Tom McLuckie, father of the victim

Court Details

  • Hearing Date: Wednesday, 27 August 2025
  • Court: ACT Supreme Court
  • Presiding Judge: Chief Justice Lucy McCallum
  • Defendant: Shakira Adams, 23, Canberra

Charges

  • Culpable driving causing death
  • Driving a stolen car

Background to Offence

  • On 19 May 2022, Adams was driving a stolen vehicle at extreme speed on Hindmarsh Drive, Canberra.
  • She crossed the median strip, drove on the wrong side of the road at 177 km/h or more, and collided head-on with McLuckie’s Toyota Corolla.
  • McLuckie, who was driving home from work, died at the scene. Adams sustained a severe traumatic brain injury.
  • Toxicology revealed significant levels of methylamphetamine, cannabis, and amphetamine in her system.
  • Adams had never held a driver’s licence. The stolen car had false plates attached.

Court Findings

  • A charge of manslaughter was dropped as part of the plea agreement.
  • Adams was found fit to plead despite her brain injury, following multiple failed legal challenges.
  • Her bail was revoked after she tested positive for methamphetamine while awaiting trial.
  • Chief Justice McCallum noted Adams had attended all hearings but highlighted her continued drug use while on bail.

Victim Impact
Matthew McLuckie’s father, Tom, delivered a statement outside court describing the “relentless anguish” endured by the family through more than 30 hearings across three years. He said Matthew was a hardworking young man who had a bright future ahead, tragically cut short by reckless driving.

Sentence Status
Adams has been remanded in custody pending sentencing later in 2025. Chief Justice McCallum ordered her detention following her guilty plea.