Outrage as Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Aboriginal Pedestrian Walks Free: “Manifestly Inadequate” Sentence Sparks Fury
- Jake Danby, 24, fatally struck two Aboriginal pedestrians in broad daylight, boasting about the crash to friends afterwards
- No prison sentence for Danby, despite judge’s claim he showed “no remorse” – instead, he’ll serve a community corrections order
- Directors of Public Prosecutions slam “manifestly inadequate” sentence, announcing appeal and sparking calls for urgent sentencing law reform in the Northern Territory
Jake Danby, the 24-year-old hit-and-run driver who killed an Aboriginal pedestrian in broad daylight, has sparked outrage after walking free without a prison sentence. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has slammed the “manifestly inadequate” sentence, announcing an appeal and reigniting calls for urgent sentencing law reform in the Northern Territory.
In a shocking decision, NT Supreme Court Justice Sonia Brownhill handed Danby a community corrections order, citing his “strong work history”, “lack of a criminal record”, and positive character references. However, the judge’s claim that Danby showed “no remorse” has sparked widespread disbelief and anger.
Independent NT politician Yingiya Guyula was scathing in his criticism, saying the sentence sent a “disgraceful and dangerous message” that it’s acceptable to kill Aboriginal people on the road. “For a judge to provide leniency tells all other drivers that it’s okay to kill Aboriginal people on the road,” he said.
The NT Law Reform Committee has long opposed mandatory sentencing in NT courts, describing it as “unprincipled, unfair, and unjust”. However, the Country Liberal Party (CLP) government has reinstated mandatory sentences for some offences, including repeat domestic violence order breaches, since winning government last year.
Acting NT Chief Minister Gerard Maley has promised to review the territory’s Sentencing Act 1995, saying the government wants to ensure that sentences meet “community expectations”. However, critics argue that tweaking the Act will not address the root causes of the NT’s social issues, including housing and employment disparities that disproportionately affect Aboriginal people.
Theresa Roe, chair of the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA), pointed out that many Aboriginal people in the NT face chronic housing instability, lack of stable employment options, and early contact with the police – circumstances that can lead to a trajectory towards incarceration. “Why should we be treated any differently to non-Aboriginal people [in sentencing]?” she asked.