A 27-year-old woman, Rani Paige Lowry, has avoided jail time despite causing a serious car crash while under the influence of alcohol. The incident occurred on February 12, 2024, in Kangaroo Point, when Lowry, travelling at 90 km/h in a 60 km/h zone, ran a red light and collided with the vehicle of Amy MacMahon, a then-MP from the Greens. During the crash, MacMahon’s vehicle was spun around, and both women were subsequently taken to the hospital, where MacMahon experienced a traumatic brain injury and was in a coma for a period.
The court heard that Lowry’s blood alcohol level was 0.186, over three times the legal limit. Shockingly, data revealed that she did not apply her brakes before the collision, striking MacMahon’s car at a speed of 83 km/h. Judge David Kent noted how fortunate it was that no fatalities resulted from the crash, describing it as a “miracle of modern engineering.”
In an unusual turn during the proceedings, MacMahon, who chose not to appear in court, submitted a victim impact statement expressing a desire for Lowry to undergo rehabilitation rather than serve time in jail, indicating her willingness to assist in finding community service work for Lowry as part of her recovery. Judge Kent acknowledged the “compassion and emotional maturity” of MacMahon’s statement.
Lowry’s legal counsel explained that her actions were influenced by a relapse into alcohol dependency stemming from past trauma and the recent loss of her brother. On the day of the crash, she had initially gone out with friends for support but ended up consuming excessive alcohol. Since the incident, Lowry has expressed deep remorse, feeling overwhelming guilt and shame, even contemplating suicide.
Ultimately, Lowry pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm while affected by alcohol. She was sentenced to three years imprisonment but was eligible for parole almost immediately, meaning she would not spend time behind bars. Judge Kent advised her never to consume alcohol again, highlighting the severity of her actions and their repercussions.
The incident has had political ramifications as MacMahon lost her seat in the recent state elections, marking a turbulent chapter in both their lives.