Man Pleads Guilty to Deliberately Crashing Into and Killing Nurse in Queensland

Jacob Paul Johnston, a 23-year-old man from Linville, Queensland, has pleaded guilty to charges of manslaughter and attempting to pervert the course of justice for deliberately crashing his car into and killing nurse Michelle Wolff on the D'Aguilar Highway near Harlin in December 2021. The Brisbane Supreme Court heard that Johnston was intent on killing himself amid a break up with his girlfriend when he crossed paths with Wolff, who was travelling home from her job as a nurse.

Wolff, a 49-year-old mother of four, was on the phone with her daughter Kasey when Johnston drove his Mercedes-Benz across the center line and collided with her Nissan Navara. Kasey heard the crash before the call abruptly ended. Wolff died at the scene, while Johnston suffered significant injuries and was airlifted to the hospital, where he was later charged in a bedside hearing in March 2022.

The court heard that Johnston did not intend to kill Wolff, but his actions were described as 'appalling and callous.' Text messages confirmed that Johnston and his then-girlfriend had discussed plans to end their lives, including loading gas bottles into a car and crashing it, shortly before the incident. Johnston initially claimed he couldn't remember the crash but police later found the messages discussing the suicide plan.

On Wednesday, Justice Paul Freeburn sentenced Johnston to 10 years in prison for manslaughter and an additional 12 months for attempting to pervert the course of justice, related to his actions while on remand urging his ex-girlfriend to change her statement to police. Johnston was declared a serious violent offender, meaning he must serve 80% of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole in September 2030. The 778 days he has spent in custody were declared as time served.

Wolff's family and friends expressed their immense grief and anger over the loss of a beloved mother, daughter, and friend. Her mother, aged 91, and daughter Kasey gave emotional victim impact statements in court. They described Johnston's actions as a 'selfish act' that has 'destroyed so many lives.' "Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would bury my daughter and grandson in my lifetime," Wolff's mother said in her statement.

Key Takeaways

• 23-year-old Jacob Paul Johnston pleaded guilty to manslaughter and perverting justice.
• Johnston deliberately crashed his car into nurse Michelle Wolff, killing her on the highway.
• Johnston intended to kill himself amid a breakup, but his actions resulted in Wolff's death.
• Johnston sentenced to 10 years for manslaughter and 1 year for perverting justice.
• Wolff's family expressed immense grief and described Johnston's actions as a 'selfish act'.