Drug-affected driver sentenced for hitting schoolboys; sues government over arrest
Consensus Summary
A drug-affected driver named Tayler Hazell was sentenced to 13 years and two months in prison for a hit-and-run incident in Canberra that seriously injured two schoolboys aged 14 and 15. Hazell stole a green Holden Commodore from a childcare centre in New South Wales, had an eight-year-old girl inside before releasing her, and drove erratically before crashing outside Manuka. He pleaded guilty to culpable driving causing grievous bodily harm and other charges. The judge described Hazell as lacking remorse and a danger to the community, noting his erratic driving and lies during proceedings. Despite the severity of the crime, the victims’ families expressed relief the case was over and praised their resilience. Hazell is simultaneously suing the Commonwealth for unlawful battery during his arrest, seeking damages for injuries and emotional distress, with the civil case scheduled for July. The arrest footage shows AFP officers using force against Hazell, with an internal investigation confirming their conduct breached professional standards.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Tayler Hazell, 32, pleaded guilty to two counts of culpable driving causing grievous bodily harm to two schoolboys (aged 14 and 15) outside St Edmund's College, Canberra, on March 28, 2023
- Hazell was sentenced to 13 years and two months in prison with a non-parole period of nine years by ACT Supreme Court judge John Burns on March 28, 2024
- Hazell stole a green Holden Commodore from a childcare centre in Sutton, NSW, and had an eight-year-old girl inside before letting her out
- Hazell was high on drugs and drove erratically, including crossing median strips and overtaking at speed, before crashing outside Manuka shops
- Hazell was arrested by Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers after the crash, with bodycam footage showing his arrest
- Hazell is suing the Commonwealth for unlawful battery, seeking damages for injuries, pain, fear, embarrassment, and aggravated damages
- The civil case against the Commonwealth is expected to be heard in July 2024
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Acting Justice Burns described Hazell as 'in no fit state to drive a motor vehicle' and 'a person who places his wants over others', stating Hazell's prospects for rehabilitation are 'extremely poor'
- Joshua Way, father of victim Aaron Way, said the victims' resilience was 'incredible' and thanked St Edmund's College principal Tim Cleary for support
- The schoolboys were struck while standing on the median strip waiting to cross the road, leading to calls for a signalised crossing
- Hazell crashed the stolen car outside Manuka shops and then outside St Christopher's Cathedral in Manuka
- Hazell's bodycam statement included: 'I hope I haven't f***ing hurt anyone' and 'I think I hit one of those kids, man, I really think I f***ing hit one of those kids'
- Justice Burns said Hazell lied during court proceedings to achieve shorter sentences and lacked true remorse
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- No contradictions found between the two sources
Source Articles
Driver sentenced to 13 years' jail over hit-and-run of Canberra schoolboys
It's almost a year to the day since Tayler Hazell drove a stolen car erratically through Canberra, seriously injuring two children....
Drug-fuelled driver who hit schoolboys sues Commonwealth over arrest
Tayler Hazell, who will be sentenced tomorrow over a hit-and-run that seriously injured two children, is suing the federal government, alleging police violently treated him during his arrest....