A WOMAN has been jailed for 16 years for the manslaughter of a man in Moree almost two years ago.
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Jacklyn Dianne Lees will spend at least 12 years in prison for causing the death of Wayne Hoyt after he was struck and dragged by the car she was driving during a domestic-related incident.
Lees, who has been in custody since the day of Mr Hoyt’s death on October 20, 2015, learnt her fate in the NSW District Court in Sydney, and was also sentenced for breaching an AVO and a good behaviour bond.
Acting Judge Mark Marian told the court there was no special circumstances to warrant changing the statutory ratio.
She will not be eligible for parole until 2027.
Lees was in breach of a condition of the AVO on the morning of Mr Hoyt’s death in Oak St when she hit and dragged him a short distance, while behind the wheel of the Kia four-wheel-drive.
The 44-year-old was rescued from underneath the Kia by police and paramedics and rushed to Moree hospital, but he died shortly after. Police claimed the incident was domestic-related.
Strike Force Cowriga was set up by Barwon detectives in the wake of Mr Hoyt’s death and Lees was initially charged with two offences and refused bail.
During the bail application, a solicitor for the DPP argued the case against Lees was strong and told the court they had obtained a report prepared by police which claimed there were acceleration marks but no indication of brake marks on the road.
She said a witness claimed to have seen Lees arguing with Mr Hoyt over a period of time before the incident.
During the bail application, the prosecutor said a witness was alleged to have heard Mr Hoyt say “I’m sick of you trying to run me over. I’m going to the cops”.
Lees was due to stand trial in February but on the first day pleaded guilty to manslaughter before a charge of dangerous driving occasioning death was dropped.
I’m sick of you trying to run me over. I’m going to the cops.
- Witness claims
Acting Judge Marian revoked the bond and re-sentenced Lees to six months imprisonment, backdated to her arrest, for breaching an AVO and possessing a prohibited drug.
Charges of negligent driving occasioning death and driving with an illicit drug in her bloodstream were withdrawn and dismissed.