DAD’S LIVING HELL

Father of Weipa alleged hit-andrun victim Michael Bowden is furious about road law changes

A GRIEVING father is outraged after a man charged over a hit and run at Dimbulah was denied bail while the driver accused of killing his son in a similar situation walked free.

Scott Bowden (above) said he had been “living in hell” since his son Michael was struck and killed at Weipa in June this year.

“I’ve never been to hell but I reckon this is what hell would be like,” he said.

His heartbreak turned to anger on learning that, not only is Malaysian national Kenny Simpoh, who is accused over the death of Mareeba teen Harley Amos, held in custody but he is also facing the more serious charge of careless driving causing death.

The driver allegedly involved in Michael’s death – 25-year-old Vincent Raymond Edwards – was charged with driving without due care and attention.

The charge has a maximum penalty of six months jail or a $5046 fine and no minimum licence disqualification time frame. He did not have to apply for bail.

Days after Michael’s death, the State Government introduced new laws and harsher penalties for negligent drivers who cause the death or serious injury of another person.

Mr Edwards avoided being charged under these laws because they are not retrospective, a factor Mr Bowden wants overturned. There was also not enough evidence to charge Mr Edwards with dangerous driving.

Mr Bowden and his wife Rachael are working on a petition pushing for even further reforms to the new laws.

Careless driving causing death or grievous bodily harm has a maximum penalty of 12 months jail or a $10,092 fine and six-month licence disqualification. If the driver is unlicensed that is bumped to two years jail and a $20,184 fine.

These careless driving penalties are designed to reflect a lack of intent, while still bridging the gap in legislation for drivers who cause someone’s death or injury. Penalties for dangerous driving charges have also been increased.

But Mr Bowden said these penalties were still “weak” and should be much higher for anyone convicted of a hit and run.

“I’m more than frustrated, I’m p **** d off,” he said. “My son is lying dead in a grave. I just want justice for Michael.”

The case against Mr Edwards will be mentioned in Weipa next month. He has not yet entered a plea.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said police looked at a range of circumstances and evidence before a charge.

“In this matter it was considered that there was insufficient evidence … to prosecute a more serious charge,” Mr Ryan said.