Christopher Brown escaped jail after dangerous driving caused death of 2-year-old son

A court in Wodonga has heard that Brown purchased a two-seat off-road Polaris buggy with a roll cage and seat belts in June 2020. wear.

At the time, there were no laws requiring the wearing of helmets, but inside the buggies there were stickers warning of the danger of death from rollovers and signs warning riders not to exceed the two-passenger capacity. was

The court heard on Dec. 25, 2020 that Brown had advised her sister to put one on after she climbed into the buggy and, in violation of safety warnings, sat on the already clipped seat belt.

Then I put Lincoln on my lap and drove the buggy with one hand.

Brown performed several burnouts, driving back down the driveway before returning to the paddock for another when the buggy overturned and fatally crushed Lincoln.

The father of the two children was arrested at the scene and taken to Wodonga Police Station. There he admitted he was happy with the safety warnings after driving about 20 hours in the buggy.

Brown was initially charged with the more serious charge of negligent driving and sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in prison and five years in prison before pleading guilty to death by dangerous driving and endangering others. was

“Such complacency has had devastating consequences for you,” said Cahill.

The court heard that Brown, who runs a homebuilding business, was deeply involved in the local community, including sports clubs, and that those closest to him called him hardworking and caring.

Cahill also reveals that Browne and his wife previously lost twin girls to stillbirth.

He said psychological reports show that Brown is deeply remorseful and has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

His father-in-law said Brown would carry the ghost of the accident with him for the rest of his life.

Cahill was found guilty and sentenced Browne to a three-year community order of correction with 250 hours of unpaid community service.

Brown’s license and permits held under the Road Safety Act were revoked and he was disqualified from driving for 18 months.

“You built a playground next to the house in memory of your son. In my view, you’ll never do it again,” Cahill said.

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