Cardross road crash

The teenagers were walking along Myall Street, Cardross to a party in nearby Red Cliffs after being dropped by a taxi driver at an incorrect address.

On 20 February 2006, Thomas Graham Towle, an unemployed 35-year-old father of six from Red Cliffs, appeared in the Mildura Magistrates Court facing 17 charges, including six of culpable driving, five of negligently causing serious injury and one of failing to stop after a collision.

[3] Then Prime Minister, John Howard issued a statement, Michael Jeffery, the Governor-General of Australia, also sent a message of condolence to the Mildura community, which he had visited during 2005.

[5] Two minutes silence was observed at the Lock Rock Music Festival held in Mildura a week after the crash, on 25 February 2006.

Towle's family, including his children, reported receiving threats from members of the community,[7] forcing police to make an announcement appealing for calm.

Acting Inspector Michael Talbot of the Major Collision Investigation Unit was quoted as saying, The father of the accused, Graham Towle, offered his condolences, saying On 18 February 2007, a memorial service was held at Mildura's Henderson Park to mark the first anniversary of the crash.

[11] It was alleged Towle drank bourbon whiskey mixed with Coca-Cola earlier in the day and allowed his four-year-old child to sit on his lap while driving[13][14] at speeds of up to 150 kilometres per hour (93 mph) shortly before the crash occurred.