A driver who struck and killed an award-winning author in a high-speed crash in Perth has been sentenced to four years in prison.
Fatal collision in Kings Park
Lucas Martins Da Silva, 31, was driving at nearly 100 kilometres per hour in a 60km/h zone when he hit Brenda Walker, 67, on Kings Park Road in Kings Park in December 2024.
Walker, a grandmother, acclaimed writer, University of Western Australia professor, and sister of Cold Chisel musician Don Walker, was crossing the road just a few hundred metres from her home after picking up a morning coffee.
Details from the court
The court heard that the impact threw Walker 50 metres through the air. A nurse who witnessed the crash stopped to provide assistance. Walker was taken to Royal Perth Hospital but could not be saved.
Martins Da Silva had no alcohol or drugs in his system. His lawyer told the court that the Brazilian national was driving to work and was fatigued at the time of the incident.
Sentencing and victim impact
On Friday, Martins Da Silva was sentenced to four years in prison. He cried in court as Walker's grieving husband, Alex Ruskulis, read his victim impact statement.
Ruskulis described feeling hollow and alone, without closure. He told reporters outside court, 'We are pleased that he pleaded guilty and has been given a jail term. But in our opinion the sentence is very light, given that he is eligible for parole and has already served some time, so he could be out on the streets within two years, whereas we live with the consequences for the rest of our lives.'
He added that the sentence is 'far too light' to deter others, especially when Western Australia's road toll is so high. 'I have asked the prosecutor to consider an appeal,' he said.
Defence and deportation
Martins Da Silva's defence lawyer, David Manera, said his client expected to go to jail. 'He is deeply sorry for what he's done. It's a terrible tragedy for everybody,' Manera said.
Martins Da Silva had been applying for permanent residency, but that process has been discontinued. 'It's highly likely if not inevitable he will be deported,' Manera added.
