Within weeks, the motorist who killed little Skye Sassine during a 2009 police pursuit in the Ingleburn area of Sydney could be granted parole.
William Ngati, who was wanted for armed robberies and on parole, started a fast-moving chase on the M5, colliding with an automobile and murdering the 19-month-old.
Following the toddler’s death, the state government passed a law known as Skye’s Law that increased the penalty for drivers who intentionally started high-speed police chases in an attempt to evade capture.
Judge David Frearson stated that Ngati was “well aware of the possibility of maiming and killing others” when he handed down the minimum 14-year term. During the pursuit, Ngati drove at a high pace, ran red lights, and drove on the wrong side of the road.
Although Aimee Sassine, the mother of the victim, has pleaded with the authorities to keep her son incarcerated for an additional five years, he is currently eligible for supervised release.
“I’m begging you here, today. Please, please, please keep him away from our family and me.
His deeds have destroyed our life,” she remarked.
“His past ought to be enough to say that. He cannot be changed by a course or counselor.”
Day release is an option for Ngati, who is incarcerated at Parklea jail, instead of supervised release.
However, his attorney maintains that there is a bigger chance of trauma the longer he is inside.
“A significant change in perspective has occurred,” stated Matthew Bogunovich.
“A long-term commitment to his own rehabilitation.”
The State Parole Authority has already ruled out the idea of Ngati being permitted to live in the same neighborhood as the victim’s parents in the event that he is released.
They would also forbid him from approaching them in any way.
Next week, a decision is anticipated.
