A 24-year-old Perth man has been sentenced to six years behind bars for the manslaughter of a beloved grandfather, following a catastrophic high-speed crash that tore a family apart.
Rhys Bellinger was behind the wheel of a black Mercedes C200 when he lost control on Boud Avenue in Duncraig, veering onto the wrong side of the road and slamming head-on into a Toyota driven by 75-year-old Ian Sheppard.
The impact of the collision on that fateful afternoon of October 17, 2022, was so severe that emergency services described the scene as one of the worst they had attended.
A Life Lost in a Moment of Recklessness
Ian Sheppard, a respected and active retiree, was pronounced dead at the scene. The court heard he was a devoted family man, whose loss has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of his wife, children, and grandchildren.
In a heart-wrenching victim impact statement, his family spoke of the profound grief and trauma, stating that "the actions of one person have shattered our entire world."
'Grossly Excessive Speed' to Blame
Prosecutors detailed how Bellinger was driving at a "grossly excessive" speed—estimated to be far above the 50km/h limit—on the suburban road. He overtook another vehicle moments before the bend where he lost control, giving Mr. Sheppard no time to react or avoid the impending tragedy.
Judge Alan Troy, presiding over the case in the Western Australia District Court, condemned Bellinger's "extremely dangerous piece of driving," emphasising that such speed in a built-up area was a recipe for disaster.
A Sentence and a Lifetime of Regret
Bellinger, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter, was sentenced to six years in prison. He will be eligible for parole after serving four years.
Beyond the prison term, he was disqualified from driving for a period of five years. The sentence, however, offers little solace to the Sheppard family, who must endure a life sentence of grief without a husband, father, and grandfather.
