Drink driver sentenced to 14 years for killing 9-year-old boy on e-bike
Quick Look
- Keith Andrew Chambers 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 manslaughter and other charges, and has been disqualified from driving for life.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Keith Andrew Chambers, with a history of speeding convictions, was heavily intoxicated and mixed alcohol with painkillers and antidepressants when he crashed into a family on e-bikes.
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 BAC of the driver?
- What was the condition of the surviving family members?
