Maddison Bain, already on bail, was driving along a dark stretch of Furnissdale Road, where the default speed limit is set at 110 km/h.
Subsequent tests revealed her blood alcohol content soared to nearly four times the legal limit.
From the back seat, a passenger accompanied by a three-month-old baby urged Bain to drive more cautiously, exclaiming, “F— Maddie, you just hit someone.”
Despite the warning, the 27-year-old continued her journey home, leaving the victim, T’Hart, to perish face down in the dirt.
This tragic event spurred T’Hart’s family to campaign for legislative changes that would prevent hit-and-run drivers from regaining their driving privileges while out on bail.
“Don’t drink and drive; it’s easy to call an Uber or get a lift from a friend or family member,” said Susan T’Hart, the victim’s mother, speaking outside the courthouse today.
“Don’t do this to other people and kill someone they love.”
Bain wiped tears from her eyes as the victim’s mother read her statement but she showed a lot more emotion when her own children were discussed.
The court heard she’d fallen pregnant while waiting for her case to be dealt with.
Bain was sentenced today to four years and 11 months in jail and also banned from driving for three and half years.
T’Hart’s mum successfully lobbied for the Traffic Act to be changed after Bain was allowed to continue driving while on bail.
A bill known as Kelly’s Law is now before Parliament.
“She’d be super proud like we all are,” family friend Denyse Needham said outside court.
“It’s a wonderful legacy for such a beautiful girl.”
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