In March last year, Tayler Hazell drove a stolen vehicle onto a median strip, striking two schoolboys who were outside St Edmund's College in Canberra. During the sentencing hearings held at the ACT Supreme Court, the impact of the incident was highlighted through emotional testimonies from the victims and their families. One of the boys, now 15, described the severe injuries he sustained, specifically the lasting damage to his hands and the subsequent loss of his aspirations to become a professional football player.

The court heard from the father of one of the boys, who expressed the deep trauma and long-term effects the accident has had on their lives. The psychological toll of the incident was evident, as the victim recounted how his daily activities were now hindered by pain and weakness in his hands. This incident raises concerns about road safety and the consequences of drug-impaired driving, particularly in school zones where children are often present.

Hazell, who was reportedly under the influence of meth at the time of the accident, is scheduled for sentencing next month. The case underscores the ongoing issues of drug use and reckless driving, prompting discussions about the need for stricter measures to protect vulnerable road users, particularly children and young adults. The anticipated legal outcomes may influence future policies related to driving under the influence and the protection of public spaces.