Driver Jailed for Over 13 Years in Canberra Hit-and-Run Involving Schoolboys

A 32-year-old man has been sentenced to more than 13 years in prison after driving under the influence of drugs and seriously injuring two students outside a Canberra school.

Tayler Hazell struck two schoolboys, aged 14 and 15, outside St Edmund’s College in March last year. Authorities said he had been driving erratically in a stolen vehicle taken from a childcare centre across the border in New South Wales.

An eight-year-old girl was inside the stolen green Commodore at the time, but Hazell drove a short distance before releasing her unharmed.

He later pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including two counts of culpable driving causing grievous bodily harm, as well as charges related to car theft and unlawfully taking a child.

Driver not truly remorseful: judge
Almost exactly a year to the day since the incident, ACT Supreme Court judge John Burns sentenced Hazell to 13 years and two months in jail, with a non-parole period of nine years.

He described Hazell’s actions as having a “catastrophic” impact.

“I am not persuaded your [guilty] pleas reflect true remorse,” Acting Justice Burns said.

“I do not accept you are truly remorseful for what you did.”

Acting Justice Burns said Hazell was “in no fit state to drive a motor vehicle” and that his driving was “erratic and dangerous”.

He said Hazell had lied during the court proceedings to achieve shorter sentences.

“I have no doubt you knew you had struck at least one of the victims when you drove away,” he said.

“You are a person who places your wants over others.”

Acting Justice Burns described Hazell’s prospects for rehabilitation as “extremely poor”.

“You are a danger to the community … you are at high risk of committing further crime,” he said.

During the hearing, the court saw footage collected from dash-cams and CCTV cameras, showing Hazell inside the car weaving erratically across roads, crossing median strips and overtaking cars at speed.

Moments later, Hazell drove onto the median strip on Canberra Avenue in Griffith, striking the two teenage boys waiting to cross the road as they were walking to school.

He then sped the stolen car into Manuka, where he crashed.

Shortly afterwards, when police arrived, a body-worn camera captured Hazell’s voice saying, “I hope I haven’t hurt anyone”.

His civil case against the Commonwealth is expected to be heard in July, with Hazell seeking damages for injuries, including pain, fear and embarrassment, as well as aggravated damages for violence and disgrace.