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William Ngati was on parole and wanted for armed robberies when he sparked a high-speed pursuit, before crashing into a car on the M5 and killing the 19-month-old.
The death of the toddler prompted the state government to introduce legislation known as Skye’s Law, which provided tougher penalties for drivers who deliberately tried to avoid arrest by commencing high-speed police chases.
When handing down the 14-year minimum sentence, Judge David Frearson said Ngati, who drove at speed, through red lights and on the wrong side of the road during the chase, was ”well aware of the possibility of maiming and killing others”.
He is now eligible for a supervised release but the victim’s mother, Aimee Sassine, has begged authorities to keep him behind bars for another five years.
“I am here today pleading with you. I beg of you, keep him away from me and our family. He has ruined our lives with his actions,” she said.
“His history should speak for itself. No course or counsellor is going to change who he is.”
Ngati, who is currently behind bars at Parklea prison, could be granted day release as an alternative to supervised release.
But his lawyer insists the longer he stays behind bars, the greater the risk of trauma there is.
“There has been a real shift in mentality,” said Matthew Bogunovich.
“A long-term commitment to his own rehabilitation.”
If Ngati was to be released, the State Parole Authority has already ruled out the possibility he will be allowed to live in the same area as the victim’s parents.
He would also be banned from going anywhere near them.
A decision is expected next week.
