The parents of a couple killed along with their unborn child have wept as they read heartbreaking victim impact statements to a court, revealing the effects the loss has had on their families.
Matthew Field and Kate Leadbetter were killed instantly, struck by a stolen car that sped through a red light while walking their dogs on Australia Day 2021.
The car was driven by a 17-year-old who can't be named for legal reasons. Kate's mother Jeannie Thorne sobbed as she read her statement, saying, "I shouldn't be here today, how is it possible that I'm here when I should be in my other life, the one that's been ripped away.
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"I should be holding her baby boy and I should have a future filled with joy and family."
Kate's father John Leadbetter told the court, "No parent should have to bury their children.
"I would swap places with her in a heartbeat."
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Matthew Field's mother Ann said of the couple, "They were like two peas in a pod.
"They had a beautiful life together and were bringing a beautiful life into the world."
The teenage driver has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and several other charges.
The court heard he was drunk and high on drugs at the time of the incident.
He is expected to be sentenced tomorrow.
