Drink driver sentenced to 14 years for killing 9-year-old boy on e-bike
Quick Look
- Keith Andrew Chambers, 49, has been sentenced to 14 years in jail for killing a nine-year-old boy in a drink-driving crash on the Gold Coast.
- He pleaded guilty to multiple charges including manslaughter and high-range drink driving, and has been disqualified from driving for life.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
A drink driver crashed into a family on e-bikes, resulting in the death of a nine-year-old boy. The driver had a history of speeding offenses and was under the influence of alcohol and painkillers at the time of the incident.
A drink driver who crashed into a family riding e-bikes, killing a nine-year-old boy, has been sentenced to 14 years in jail.
Keith Andrew Chambers pleaded guilty to manslaughter, dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death or grievous bodily harm whilst adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, whilst excessively speeding, and high-range drink driving.
The court heard the now 49-year-old had an extensive criminal history — including nine speeding convictions, the latest in 2023.
On the day of the crash on the Gold Coast in 2024, Chambers had been drinking heavily, and had mixed alcohol with painkillers he used to treat arthritis, as well as antidepressants.
The court heard he lied after the crash, telling witnesses at the scene that he had been clipped by another car.
Justice Glenn Martin accepted Chambers remained at the scene, and voluntarily presented to a police station the following day.
He was given a 14-year sentence and a six-year sentence for both charges. Those present terms will be served concurrently. Chambers has also been disqualified from holding a driver license for life.
Open Questions
- What was the exact speed of the vehicle?
- Were the e-bikes legally permitted on that road?