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WA Supreme Court Overturns Jail Term in Twins’ Crash, Orders Fully Suspended 8-Month Sentence

The judge found the immediate custody order was manifestly excessive.

Overview

  • Rachel Van Oyen won her appeal on Tuesday, replacing an immediate prison term with eight months' imprisonment suspended for nine months.
  • The Northam Magistrates Court had imposed eight months with two months to serve and six months suspended, and she spent two days in custody before bail.
  • Prosecutors told the court she briefly closed her eyes before the car veered off Great Eastern Highway near Carrabin and rolled after striking trees.
  • The crash in February 2024 killed her seven-year-old twins, Macey and Riley, who were thrown from the vehicle, while police reported no speed, alcohol or drugs.
  • After the ruling, Van Oyen said she wants to grieve her daughters.