http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-25/driver-jailed-over-toddler27s-27senseless2...A driver who caused a high-speed police chase that led to the death of Sydney toddler Skye Sassine has been jailed for at least 14 years.
The death of the 19-month-old, on New Year's Eve in 2009, led
former New South Wales premier Kristina Keneally to introduce new penalties for drivers who deliberately try to avoid arrest by starting high-speed police chases.William Ngati crashed into the Sassine family car at Ingleburn, in Sydney's south-west, while he was being chased by police after committing a string of armed robberies.
During the robberies he stole cash, laptops, gift vouchers and wallets.
Ngati, who showed no remorse in court today, previously pleaded guilty to Skye's manslaughter as well as larceny and armed robbery offences.
However, just before Judge David Frearson handed down his sentence in court today, Ngati asked if he could change his plea to the manslaughter charge.
The Prosecutor noted that he has already been convicted and the Judge refused.
The Judge said that during the chase Ngati, who was unlicensed, reached speeds of up to 160km per hour in a 70kmph zone and crossed to the wrong side of the road more than once, causing other drivers to take evasive action.
He said traffic was heavy, Ngati ran red lights, drove on median strips and was drug-affected and talking on a mobile phone.
Judge Frearson noted it was atrocious driving and that the toddler's death was a shocking, senseless tragedy.
He told the court that Skye Sassine's father held her in his arms while she was dying.
"He put a lot of people in danger," he said.
The judge said Ngati was "driving with a callous disregard for anyone who got in his way".
The court also heard Ngati has a mild intellectual disability and a record of previous offences.
Ngati sat slumped over in the dock and was unable to look at members of Skye's family, who were in the public gallery.
He was sentenced to a minimum of eight-and-a-half years for the toddler's death and will serve a total minimum sentence of 14 years, with a maximum of 19 years.
Ngati will be eligible for parole in 2024
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Keneally should be congratulated for this (Read 2256 times)
