A teenage driver convicted of causing the death of a 76-year-old man in Australia could be released from custody in just over two years, a development that has angered the victim’s family and renewed debate around juvenile sentencing.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in detention after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing death. However, with time already served and sentence reductions, he is expected to walk free by 2028, according to A Current Affair.

The fatal incident occurred in February last year when the teenager, who was unlicensed and under the influence of drugs, drove through a stop sign at high speed. He struck 76-year-old Allan Smillie, who was riding a mobility scooter, as well as another vehicle.

The impact of the crash was severe, with Smillie reportedly thrown onto the windscreen before being crushed against a fence. He died at the scene from his injuries, A Current Affair reported.

Court proceedings revealed that the teenager had a history of offending dating back several years. He was also among the first juveniles to be sentenced under Queensland’s “Adult Crime, Adult Time” laws, which were introduced to impose stricter penalties on young offenders involved in serious crimes.

Despite the sentence, the victim’s family has expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, arguing that the punishment does not reflect the seriousness of the offence. They say the possibility of early release undermines justice and fails to act as a deterrent to similar crimes.

The case has drawn wider public attention, with some calling for tougher measures against repeat offenders and stricter enforcement of road safety laws. Others have pointed to the complexities of balancing rehabilitation and punishment within the juvenile justice system.

The matter continues to highlight ongoing concerns about road safety, youth crime and the effectiveness of sentencing frameworks in dealing with serious offences involving young offenders.