Family 'Let Down' as Driver in Fatal Drug-Fuelled Crash Gets 12-Month Sentence
The family of a grandfather killed during his morning walk in Brisbane say they feel profoundly "let down" after learning the driver responsible could walk free after serving just 12 months behind bars. Mark Trestrail, 73, was struck and killed near his Northgate home in March 2024 while on his daily early walk, a tragedy that has left his loved ones devastated and seeking justice.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The court heard that 25-year-old Ryan Anderson Hassell had a dangerous cocktail of drugs in his system, including methamphetamine at toxic levels, when he got behind the wheel. Hassell lost control of his 4WD, crossed onto the wrong side of the road, mounted the kerb, and hit Trestrail, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Initially, Hassell told police he had been adjusting the radio and had consumed eight to 10 beers the night before, but toxicology results later revealed a mix of methamphetamine and sedatives known as 'benzos', including diazepam or Valium.
Court Sentencing and Family Reaction
Hassell pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and was sentenced to five years in prison, to be suspended after serving 12 months. Outside court, Trestrail's family expressed their deep disappointment, stating that the punishment does not reflect the immense loss they continue to endure. "Very disappointed... we came here to seek justice and we feel quite let down," a family member said. They remembered Mark as a loved and funny individual who deserved to live out his life on his own terms, not cut short by someone else's actions.
Background and Legal Context
The court was informed that Hassell had been on a good behaviour bond for drug possession at the time of the crash. The judge acknowledged his efforts in rehabilitation and counselling but deemed a period of actual jail time necessary. Additionally, Hassell has been disqualified from driving for two-and-a-half years. For Trestrail's family, the sentence is one they say they will struggle to accept, with emotions ranging from anger to sorrow. "It's so wrong... it's horrible," they lamented, highlighting the ongoing pain and sense of injustice they face in the wake of this preventable tragedy.
