Crash victim’s family appeals ‘insulting’ sentence for killer driver Christopher Joannidis

·

The family of Debbie Markey, one of the victims of a deadly car crash in Strathmerton, Victoria, has formally appealed the sentence given to Christopher Joannidis, the driver responsible for the collision that killed five people in April 2023.

Joannidis was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison however, he will be eligible for parole after serving just three years for causing the crash, which also claimed the lives of four foreign workers and Markey’s dog.

The incident occurred when Joannidis, on his way to a wedding, crashed into Markey’s ute, sending it into the path of a milk tanker. Markey, 62, and the four workers—Pin-Yu Wang, Hsin-Yu Chen, Wai-Yan Lam, and Zih-Yao Chen—were killed.

The crash was one of the deadliest in Victoria in over a decade. Joannidis had been warned earlier by police about the area’s road toll and was also issued a speeding ticket before the fatal incident.

The wreckage from Victoria’s worst collision in more than a decade. Photo: Ian Currie.

Debbie Markey’s son, Daniel Montero, expressed his outrage over the “insulting” sentence in a letter to the Director of Public Prosecutions, stating that the punishment did not reflect the gravity of Joannidis’ actions.

“We strongly believe that the sentence does not reflect the gravity of his actions,” Montero said. “Specifically, we wish to draw attention to the undue weight given to his mental health condition, OCD.” Montero clarified that Joannidis’ actions on the day of the crash were unrelated to his OCD.

Montero also shared a deeply emotional victim impact statement in court, describing the pain of losing his mother and the ongoing hardship for the victims’ families. “It has been an unbearable rollercoaster,” he said.

Retired homicide detective Charlie Bezzina has also criticised the sentence, calling it “absolutely disgusting.”

Videos shared by Montero online have garnered over 60,000 views, with many commenting on the perceived leniency of the justice system.

Montero stated, “There is a common perception that our justice system is soft, giving offenders a mere slap on the ‘wrist’.”

Source: Herald Sun.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Hurricane Melissa leaves dozens dead across the Caribbean

Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms on record, has left dozens dead and widespread devastation across Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba.

Prosecutors allegedly link Perry Kouroumblis to Easey St murders with DNA evidence

Prosecutors in Melbourne’s Easey Street murder case allege that DNA found is “highly likely” to have come from Perry Kouroumblis.

Mitsotakis unveils ‘Ark of National Memory’ as Greece embarks on €28 billion defence modernisation

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis unveiled the new bioclimatic facade of the Ministry of National Defence on Wednesday night.

Mark Coure MP extends Oxi Day message to Greek and Cypriot communities

NSW Shadow Minister Mark Coure MP honours Oxi Day, praising the Greek and Cypriot communities for their courage and contribution to NSW.

Oakleigh Grammar farewells the Class of 2025 with Graduation Dinner

Oakleigh Grammar’s Class of 2025 gathered for a night of celebration, reflection, and recognition at their Year 12 Graduation Dinner.

You May Also Like

‘The Spartan’, Andreas Michailidis, looking to fight his way onto UFC podium

Michailidis will make his first appearance in the UFC on July 15, becoming the first Greek athlete to enter the United States MMA competition.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wishes Australians a happy Christmas

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued a message ahead of the festive season, wishing everyone a "happy and safe Christmas."

Kytherian radio announcer Haralambos Kritharis awarded by NSW Premier

Radio announcer, Harry Crethar, awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Premier’s Multicultural Communications Awards.