Man who killed toddler in crash to exit jail
The armed robber who killed toddler Skye Sassine in a high-speed crash during a crime spree has been released on parole - however has been banned from entering the Campbelltown area because of concerns from the victim’s family.
William Ngati was in 2012 jailed for at least 13 years and three months after he was involved in high-speed police pursuit on New Year’s Eve in 2009 during which Skye was killed at Ingleburn.
The incident led to the creation of Skye’s law, which allows judges to impose tougher sentences for drivers involved in high-speed police pursuits.
Skye, 19 months, was killed when her family’s vehicle was struck by a car on being driven by Ngati after he and a co-offender had earlier robbed two liquor stores.
During the 21km police chase Ngati sped at 160kmh in a 70kmh zone and drove through red lights before colliding with a car being driven by Skye’s mother.
Ngati, who was on parole at the time, pleaded guilty to a string of offences including manslaughter and armed robbery before he was sentenced to 19 years and 3 months in jail, with a non-parole period of 13 years and 3 months.
In his sentencing decision at the time, District Court Judge David Frearson slammed Ngati’s actions as “reprehensibly irresponsible” and “an atrocious piece of driving and atrocious conduct”.
Judge Frearson also described his prospects of rehabilitation as “extremely poor”.
His non-parole period will expire on Thursday and on Tuesday the State Parole Authority granted him release on several conditions.
During a hearing earlier this year, Skye’s mother urged the authority not to grant parole and argued Ngati had not shown any remorse.
She also asked that in the event he was released on parole that he be prevented from being in the vicinity of her family.
Ngati’s lawyers argued for his release, saying it was supported by several reports including from the Serious Offenders Review Counsel.
Ngati was released on 11 conditions including that he not use prohibited drugs, must undergo mental health treatment and must not contact the victim’s family.
He has been banned from the Campbelltown local government area, where Skye’s family lives.
Ngati will be released on parole sometime between April 16 and May 7.
