Man jailed for drug-fuelled smash which killed nurse

A MELBOURNE man who was high on ice and reached speeds of 161km/h in a stolen SUV before a fatal smash that killed a much-loved nurse will spend at least eight years behind bars.

Sebastian Kennett, 21, was on parole, unlicensed and driving a stolen car when he collided with a hatchback driven by 53-year-old Lynda Hansen at Oakleigh in October 2017.

Ms Hansen, a cardiac nurse who was on her way home from dinner with a friend, died at the scene after suffering chest and other injuries.

Kennett (above), who suf- fered minor bruising, fled and was arrested two days later following a police manhunt.

He later pleaded guilty to culpable driving causing death and other charges.

Yesterday, Kennett was sentenced to 11 years and two months in prison. The court was told he was a disqualified driver who had a lengthy criminal history and had only been released from detention two months before the smash.

It was also revealed both of Kennett’s parents were drug users when he was born.

County Court Judge Frank Gucciardo said Kennett had been in and out of detention for years and his prospects of rehabilitation were “bleak”.

Ms Hansen’s sister Corinne Sommers said her family accepted the sentence.

“We just hope he (Kennett) doesn’t do it again,” she said.