18-Year-Old Jailed for 19 Months After Fatal 4WD Crash in Western Australia

An 18-year-old has been jailed for 19 months after admitting to causing the death of a 15-year-old girl in a four-wheel drive crash in Western Australia. Caitlyn Bragger died after the then-learner driver, who was 16 at the time, rolled a modified four-wheel drive while doing "snakies" on a gravel road near Logue Brook Dam, 200km south of Perth, in June 2025. She was one of six teenagers in the vehicle. The matter was set down for a week-long trial in Busselton Children's Court, but on Monday the accused changed his plea to guilty one count of dangerous driving causing death. The 18-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm and three counts of causing bodily harm. Prosecutor James Nicholl told the court the group was camping and decided to go driving at about 8pm. The four-wheel drive had some unauthorised modifications, with a lifted suspension, larger than normal tyres and a rooftop tent. The court heard the driver had been doing "snakies" — veering from side to side — on a dark road. Caitlyn called out to the driver "in alarm" just before the crash, the court was told. As a result of these actions Mr Nicholl pushed for an immediate prison term. He said the man had maintained he had not been doing snakies and was prepared to go to trial until it became clear that the other people in the car were going to give evidence to the contrary. "The decision to drive dangerously was his own, with passengers urging him to settle down," Mr Nicholl said. He accepted the offender's remorse but pointed out that Caitlyn's mother had lost her only daughter. Defence lawyer Derek Hunter said his client's actions showed the stupidity of an inexperienced driver. Admission to doing 'snakies' Mr Hunter told the court the teenager accepted he had been doing snakies on the gravel road, but denied accelerating heavily or speeding. Others in the group had been drinking alcohol, but he had not been drinking, the court was told. "He accepts driving left to right. He doesn't know why — maybe because it was dark and fun to do," Mr Hunter said. "[On the] last one, he lost control and a tragedy occurred. It will be something he will regret for the rest of his life." The offender was also injured in the crash. Mr Hunter said his client's memory of the accident was limited and described his actions as out of character. The teenager was struggling in the wake of the crash and had the full support of his family, the court heard. "[It was] the greatest mistake he could make," Mr Hunter said. Guilty plea delay 'regrettable' Children's Court president Hylton Quail said the man's late guilty plea showed how long he took to take responsibility for his actions. "You told the person preparing the pre-sentence report you were just being an idiot," Judge Quail said. "Finally there is that recognition you have been an idiot." Judge Quail suspended the man's driver's licence for three years and said he would be eligible for parole in nine and a half months. Judge Quail said the man faced adult jail instead of juvenile detention because he had continued to contest the charge until after he turned 18. "It is very regrettable you delayed pleading guilty until after your 18th birthday," he said. Judge Quail said the boy was employed, had previously been of good character and that the crash had a profound impact on him as well as the other survivors. "It is clear to me that you have been devastated by her death," Judge Quail said. Caitlyn's mother Sarah Highwood said there had been "some kind of justice". "It's never enough, but it's something, to give him some time to reflect on what he's done," Ms Highwood said. "Just don't know what silly driving can cause. Showing off is not worth it. "As it's been shown … Caitlin lost her life because of [the offender] showing off."