A tragic incident that shook the community, involving a driver who left two young boys to die after a fatal crash, has finally come to a pivotal moment in the court. Nicholas Thew, a 28-year-old individual without a driver’s license and recently released from jail, was behind the wheel of a Ford Falcon sedan when he crashed into a power pole and tree in Sydney’s south-west on November 6, 2023. The impact claimed the lives of two teenagers, aged 13 and 14, who were best friends.
The harrowing scene unfolded around 10:50 am on Maxwells Avenue in Ashcroft, where the crash left devastation in its wake. The force of the collision was so intense that one boy was thrown approximately 5 meters from the vehicle, while the other remained in the back half of the car, which had been ripped apart. In the aftermath, Thew and a third passenger, 23-year-old Anthony Morris, were seen on CCTV footage leaving the site on foot before emergency responders could reach the scene.
The families of the deceased boys, who are not named due to legal restrictions protecting juvenile victims of crime, were left reeling from the unimaginable loss. The impact of the crash was profound, with Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden expressing the gravity of the situation, stating, “The absolute destruction that has taken place… and the loss of two young lives, being ejected from that vehicle.” The trauma of the incident reverberated throughout the community, leaving witnesses and residents deeply affected.
Thew’s actions following the crash further compounded the tragedy, as he pulled himself from the wreckage and walked past one of the boys’ bodies on the ground before leaving the scene. The stark contrast between the severity of the situation and the callous disregard for human life was evident in his behavior. The sense of shock and devastation was palpable, with the families of the victims releasing a joint statement expressing their ongoing struggle to come to terms with the loss of their beloved sons and brothers.
When Thew finally faced the consequences of his actions in court, the families of the deceased boys were present, demanding justice for the lives cut short by his reckless behavior. Thew ultimately pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated driving occasioning death while speeding at more than 45km/h over the limit, as well as failing to stop and assist after a vehicle impact causing death, and driving without a license. The gravity of his offenses, coupled with his disturbing criminal history, painted a troubling picture of a repeated pattern of dangerous behavior.
With a long record of violent offenses, including rape and domestic violence, Thew had a history of run-ins with the law that culminated in the tragic events of that fateful day in November. Despite previous convictions and prison sentences, he found himself back in a position where his actions led to devastating consequences for innocent lives. The upcoming sentencing hearing at Campbelltown District Court on March 18 will determine the final chapter in this heartbreaking saga, offering a semblance of closure for the families of the victims and a chance for justice to be served.
The enduring impact of Thew’s reckless actions serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of irresponsible behavior behind the wheel and the devastating ripple effects it can have on the lives of others. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the hope remains that justice will be served and that the memories of the two young boys lost too soon will be honored with accountability and remembrance.
