A local court has heard a man's decision to drive under the influence of drugs, which led to the tragic death of a 12-year-old girl, was akin to playing “Russian roulette”. Jordan Kenyon, 30, with a significant history of driving offences, pleaded guilty to culpable driving causing death and other related charges after the fatal collision near Geelong earlier this year.

The devastating incident occurred on January 3, 2024, in Stonehaven, on the western outskirts of Geelong. Kenyon, who was reportedly high on the drug GHB at the time, lost control of his vehicle while speeding, crashing into a small Holden Barina carrying the Rossiter family. The family of four was travelling home after dinner when their lives were irrevocably altered.

Tragedy on the Hamilton Highway

The collision resulted in the immediate death of 12-year-old Mia Rossiter at the scene. Her mother, Danica, father, Paul, and 7-year-old sister all sustained serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and ongoing recovery. Kenyon's brother, who was a passenger in his vehicle, also suffered critical injuries in the high-speed crash.

During a pre-sentence hearing, the County Court judge overseeing the case, Michael Tinney, delivered a scathing assessment of Kenyon's actions. He stated that Kenyon's decision to get behind the wheel after consuming GHB was a reckless gamble with human lives. “If he wants to play Russian Roulette he should do it in a room on his own,” the judge remarked, emphasising the gravity of the choice. “It was a matter of time before he killed someone and the Rossiters had the unlucky ticket. It could have been any one of us.”

A Pattern of Dangerous Behaviour

The court heard that Kenyon's criminal driving record was extensive. He had been released on parole in mid-2023, following a six-year jail term handed down in 2019 for a wild driving spree around Geelong, where he reached speeds of up to 170km/h in a stolen Mercedes-Benz. At the time of the fatal crash, he was wearing an ankle monitoring bracelet, raising questions about oversight and why his dangerous behaviour weeks prior hadn't led to his return to custody.

Disturbing footage from Kenyon's own phone, played in court, showcased his brazen disregard for safety and the law. On December 14, 2023, just weeks before the fatal crash, he was recorded steering a car with his legs while holding his phone in one hand and a can of bourbon whiskey in the other, driving on the wrong side of the road. In the video, he boastfully declared, “I am the best f***ing designated drunk driver in the world!” before taking a swig. He continued with alarming comments such as “Oncoming car, oh yes I love it … Shall we kill these c***s? I will crash into a pole tonight.” The court was told that on the day of the crash, Kenyon had been doing burnouts in the Geelong area before reaching speeds of approximately 150km/h on the Hamilton Highway.

Heartbreaking Victim Impact Statements

Mia's father, Paul Rossiter, who still relies on walking sticks and a moon-boot, delivered an emotional victim impact statement in court. He lovingly described his daughter as “a beautiful, kind caring girl who was looking forward to becoming a teenager.” Mr Rossiter continued, “Mia was bright, loyal and loved her animals.” Turning directly to Kenyon in the dock, Mr Rossiter bravely confronted him: “You and your stupid actions have taken an amazing young human from this earth. I hope hell's a shit place and you rot there when you arrive.”

Mia’s mother, Danica Rossiter, also spoke through tears, conveying the profound and unbearable grief the family endures daily. “Until you have lost your own flesh and blood, you don't know how this feels,” she expressed, highlighting the depth of their loss and the permanent void left by Mia's absence.

Defence barrister Luke Barker acknowledged the severity of his client's actions, describing Kenyon's decision to drive that night as “a stupid, foolhardy, cavalier, nonsensical decision.” Kenyon has been in custody since January 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29.