Key Takeaways
- Shakira Adams, a 23-year-old woman from Canberra, has been sentenced to 14 years in jail for killing 20-year-old Matthew McLuckie in a high-speed crash in 2022.
- Adams pleaded guilty to culpable driving causing death and driving a stolen car, and was handed a non-parole period of nine years.
- The crash occurred while Adams was driving a stolen vehicle, unlicensed, and believed to be street racing with another car, reaching speeds of at least 177 kilometers per hour.
- The court found that Adams posed a significant danger to society and was disqualified from driving indefinitely.
- The sentencing brings closure to the family and friends of Matthew McLuckie, who had been seeking justice for his tragic death.
Introduction to the Case
The case of Shakira Adams, a 23-year-old woman from Canberra, has come to a close with her sentencing to 14 years in jail for the tragic death of 20-year-old Matthew McLuckie. The incident occurred in 2022, when Adams was driving a stolen vehicle, unlicensed, and believed to be street racing with another car. The crash resulted in the death of Matthew McLuckie, who was driving home from work at the time. The court process was protracted, with Adams initially pleading not guilty before eventually changing her plea to guilty.
The Crash and Its Aftermath
On the night of the crash, Adams was driving at a speed of at least 177 kilometers per hour when she hit Matthew McLuckie’s car head-on, killing him. The crash occurred on Hindmarsh Drive, and Adams was found to have been driving erratically and dangerously, covering 19.5 kilometers in just 17 minutes. The court heard that Adams had not slept for several days before the crash and had drugs, including ice, in her system, which would have impaired her driving considerably. The incident has had a profound impact on the family and friends of Matthew McLuckie, who have been seeking justice for his tragic death.
The Court Process
The court process was complex, with Adams’s lawyers initially objecting to her fitness to plead. However, Chief Justice Lucy McCallum found that Adams was capable of retaining and retrieving information and could stand trial. After this bid failed, Adams’s lawyers made a last-ditch attempt to have her declared unfit to plead, but ultimately, Adams pleaded guilty to culpable driving causing death and driving a stolen car. The guilty plea paved the way for the sentencing, which was handed down by Chief Justice McCallum. The court heard that Adams posed a significant danger to society and was disqualified from driving indefinitely.
The Sentencing
The sentencing of Shakira Adams to 14 years in jail brings closure to the family and friends of Matthew McLuckie. The maximum penalty was handed down, with Adams receiving a non-parole period of nine years. She will not be eligible for release until August 2034. Chief Justice McCallum stated that Adams posed a significant danger to society and that her actions on the night of the crash were "dangerous and erratic." The court also heard that Adams had sped through a red light with five other cars in the vicinity, putting the lives of others at risk. The sentencing is a testament to the seriousness of the crime and the need to hold individuals accountable for their actions.
The Impact on the Family
The family of Matthew McLuckie has been deeply affected by his tragic death. His father, Tom McLuckie, has maintained a constant presence throughout the court process, often bringing a framed photo of his son to the court. The court has been sensitive to the family’s needs, with Chief Justice McCallum stating that the hearing should be "trauma-informed." The sentencing brings some closure to the family, but it will never bring back their loved one. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the devastating consequences of reckless behavior on the roads.
Conclusion
The case of Shakira Adams serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of accountability. The sentencing of Adams to 14 years in jail is a testament to the seriousness of the crime and the need to protect society from individuals who pose a significant danger. The incident has had a profound impact on the family and friends of Matthew McLuckie, and it is hoped that the sentencing will bring some closure to those affected. The case also highlights the importance of trauma-informed hearings and the need for the court to be sensitive to the needs of victims and their families.