A driver, Jacob Paul Johnston, who took the life of mother-of-four Michelle Wolff in a deliberate head-on collision while attempting to end his own life, has lost his appeal for a reduced sentence. Wolff was on a hands-free call with her daughter after working late when the tragic incident occurred on the D’Aguilar Highway near Brisbane in December 2021. The 49-year-old nurse died at the scene.
Recently, the Queensland Court of Appeal rejected Johnston’s request to appeal his 10-year prison sentence. The justices, John Bond, David Boddice, and Tom Sullivan, recognised that although he was young and lacked a criminal history, his actions fell on the serious end of manslaughter offences. They highlighted the severe repercussions of his actions, stating that the sentence needed to reflect the need for denunciation of such conduct.
Johnston claimed that the sentence was excessively harsh and did not adequately take into account his mental state, remorse, and the injuries he sustained in the crash. However, the appeal justices dismissed these arguments, reinforcing that the original sentencing well considered the circumstances.
In April 2024, Johnston was sentenced to 10 years for manslaughter and a further 12 months for attempting to obstruct justice by persuading a former partner to retract her statement regarding his suicidal intentions. Both Wolff’s family and the presiding Justice Paul Freeburn described Johnston’s actions as deeply selfish. Justice Freeburn noted the horrific nature of the act and how it showcased a lack of regard for human life, stating that the victim impact statements accurately portrayed Johnston’s behaviour.
Johnston is set for parole eligibility in September 2030 and will face deportation back to New Zealand upon his release. For those affected by similar issues, support can be sought through Lifeline at 13 11 14 or beyondblue at 1300 22 4636.