Assistant Principal Admits Guilt in Devastating Motorcycle Collision
A motorcyclist has undergone a traumatic leg amputation following a severe collision with a vehicle driven by an assistant principal from a Queanbeyan public school. The incident, which occurred on a suburban road west of the Australian Capital Territory, has resulted in life-altering injuries for both riders involved.
Court Proceedings Reveal Details of the Crash
Rebecca Kearns, a 37-year-old assistant principal, appeared before the Queanbeyan Local Court on Monday, February 9, where she pleaded guilty to a single charge of negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm. The court heard that the collision took place around 5:20pm on July 17, 2025, on Halloran Drive in Jerrabomberra.
According to police facts presented to the court, Kearns was driving her Hyundai Santa Fe after dropping off a family member when she attempted to turn right from Halloran Drive into Esmond Avenue. This manoeuvre placed her vehicle directly into the path of two men riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle travelling in the opposite direction.
Motorcyclists' Desperate Attempts to Avoid Collision
Police documents detail how the motorcycle driver attempted emergency braking, which proved ineffective given the circumstances. The rider then tried to steer the bike toward a gutter in a desperate effort to avoid Kearns' approaching vehicle. Despite these evasive actions, the collision occurred with significant force.
The impact crushed both men's right legs before the motorcycle crashed into the gutter, ejecting both riders through the air. They landed on nearby pavement, sustaining serious injuries that would require extensive medical intervention.
Life-Altering Consequences for Victims
The consequences of the crash have been particularly severe for the motorcycle driver, who suffered such extensive damage to his right leg that medical professionals were forced to amputate the limb. The passenger on the motorcycle also sustained multiple fractures in his right leg, necessitating complex surgical procedures to address the injuries.
Defendant's Response and Legal Proceedings
Court documents reveal that Kearns has sought professional counselling and taken a temporary leave of absence from her teaching position following the incident. She has provided a statement to authorities, cooperated fully with police investigations, and expressed remorse for her actions and their consequences.
The assistant principal has no previous charges on her record, which may be considered during sentencing. Magistrate Roger Clisdell has adjourned the case, with sentencing to occur at a later date once all relevant factors have been thoroughly examined.
This case highlights the potentially devastating consequences of momentary lapses in attention while driving, particularly in suburban areas where multiple road users share limited space. The legal proceedings continue as the court considers an appropriate sentence for the negligent driving that resulted in such severe, life-changing injuries.
