18-year-old sentenced to adult prison for deadly WA 4WD crash
An 18-year-old who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of 15-year-old Caitlyn Bragger has been sentenced to 19 months in an adult prison, with parole eligibility after nine and a half months.
In a Busselton Children’s Court hearing, an 18-year-old who was 16 at the time of a June 2025 crash near Logue Brook Dam pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, and three counts of causing bodily harm. The crash involved a modified four-wheel-drive that had been altered with a lifted suspension, oversized tyres and a rooftop tent, and the driver was reportedly performing “snakies” on a dark gravel road when the vehicle rolled, killing 15-year-old Caitlyn Bragger, who was among six teenagers in the vehicle.
Prosecutor James Nicholl argued for a swift prison sentence, emphasizing the driver’s responsibility despite claims of innocence. Defence counsel Derek Hunter acknowledged the driver’s reckless maneuvering but denied excessive speed or heavy acceleration, noting the driver had not consumed alcohol. Judge Hylton Quail sentenced the offender to 19 months in an adult prison, suspended his licence for three years, and set parole eligibility at nine and a half months, citing the late guilty plea after the offender reached adulthood.
Why it matters
The case highlights the severe legal consequences of reckless teenage driving and the court's willingness to impose adult sentences for serious offenses.
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