Advertisement

Serial drink driver walks free

Serial drink driver Mitchell William Donald Walsh has been released from prison on parole after serving half the sentence for his latest offence.

Walsh, 30, was sentenced to nine months in prison in May this year after being caught driving while disqualified in 2013.

He walked out of Wooroloo Prison Farm early today after serving just four months.

Walsh has been caught driving with a blood alcohol reading in excess of 0.08 four times and driving while under suspension eight times.

Four of the driving while under suspension charges occurred on the same day.

Mitchell knocked down and killed 10-year-old schoolgirl Jess Meehan after she rode her bicycle into his path in Clarkson in 2003.

Although he had a blood alcohol reading of 0.165, he argued even if he was sober he would not have been able to avoid the collision and was found not guilty of dangerous driving causing death.

Jess Meehan's death in 2003 led to new laws for drink drivers involved in serious accidents.


Jess' death prompted a change in WA law known as Jess' Law, which meant drivers with a blood alcohol reading of more than 0.15 who were involved in fatal or serious accidents would be charged with dangerous driving causing death or grievous bodily harm.

Jess' parents now live interstate and have just marked the 11th anniversary of their daughter's death.

Her mother Cheryl told Seven News she was shocked to hear Walsh had been released after serving less than half his sentence.