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Jail for speeding driver who killed award-winning author in Perth crash
Lucas Martins Da Silva was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing death, with his licence disqualified for four years.
- On Friday, 31-year-old Lucas Martins Da Silva was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing death, killing University of Western Australia professor Brenda Walker in a high-speed crash on Kings Park Road in December 2024.
- Martins Da Silva, who moved to Perth from Brazil in 2022, was tired and working extra carpenter shifts to pay expensive visa fees when he travelled 36 kilometres over the speed limit on his way to work, striking Walker as she crossed the road.
- CCTV footage showed his black Toyota Yaris clocked at 104km/h before slowing to 96km/h when it struck the 67-year-old, throwing her 50 metres through the air with traumatic brain injuries and fractures; despite immediate medical assistance, Walker could not be saved.
- District Court Judge Wendy Gillan characterised the vehicle as "like a weapon" and imposed the sentence to send a community message, while Walker's husband Alex Ruskulis told the court he was now "a hollow man" after losing his "soulmate, best friend, my love, my life partner."
- Defence lawyer David Manera indicated Martins Da Silva will likely be deported after release as his permanent residency application has been discontinued, while Walker's family argues the sentence is "far too light" given parole eligibility within two years and has requested prosecutors consider an appeal.
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Total News Sources7
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 17%
R 33%
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