WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of people who have died.
Family Outraged as Drunk Driver Granted Early Release
A drunk driver responsible for the death of a 12-year-old Queensland boy is set to walk free after serving less than two and a half years of a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence. Nicholas Semler-Mitaros, a P-Plater, ran a red light while speeding and under the influence, striking Dawlon Smith-Saunders as he crossed the road in Bli Bli on the Sunshine Coast in 2023.
Tragic Incident and Legal Proceedings
The incident occurred on September 3, 2023, when Dawlon was riding his scooter along David Low Way. Semler-Mitaros was driving 27 kilometres over the speed limit with a blood alcohol reading of 0.069, and he had an extensive criminal history, being on parole at the time. Dawlon, described by his family as "cheeky, loving and caring," succumbed to his injuries in hospital two weeks later.
Semler-Mitaros pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and received a sentence of four and a half years in jail. However, he has now been granted parole, meaning he will serve only a fraction of that time behind bars.
Family's Heartbreak and Criticism of Justice System
Dawlon's sister, Letitia Smith, expressed profound shock and numbness upon learning of the early release. She voiced strong criticism of the justice system, highlighting the disparity between harsh penalties for youth offenders and what she perceives as lenient treatment for adults who commit serious crimes.
"How in the world could our justice system be like this," Letitia said. She pointed to Queensland's strict youth justice laws introduced in 2024, which double sentences for certain juvenile crimes, questioning why an adult who killed a child receives such a relatively short sentence. "We have adults here killing our youths and you get four and a half years. What? That's a joke," she added.
Parole Conditions and Family's Desire for Closure
As part of his parole conditions, Semler-Mitaros must adhere to strict rules, including remaining sober, wearing an ankle tracking monitor, and avoiding contact with Dawlon's family. Despite this, Letitia has expressed a desire to one day meet her brother's killer to convey the immense pain he has caused.
"And I want him to know what pain he's done to us," she stated, reflecting the family's ongoing grief and search for justice in the wake of this tragic loss.
