Tayler Hazell Sentenced to 13 Years for Canberra Rampage
Tayler Hazell, 32, has been sentenced to 13 years and two months in prison, with a non-parole period of nine years, following a series of devastating events on March 28, 2023, in Canberra. Hazell pleaded guilty to multiple grave charges, including two counts of culpable driving causing grievous bodily harm, stealing a car, and unlawfully taking a child. This significant sentencing comes amidst an ongoing internal police investigation and a civil lawsuit filed by Hazell concerning the force used during his arrest.
Sentencing Details
The ACT Supreme Court delivered the sentence to Hazell for striking and seriously injuring two schoolboys in a stolen car. Acting Justice John Burns unequivocally described Hazell's actions as having a "catastrophic" impact, stating that Hazell was "in no fit state to drive a motor vehicle."
"Hazell was 'a danger to the community' with 'extremely poor' prospects for rehabilitation," Acting Justice John Burns stated, expressing doubt regarding Hazell's remorse and noting his extensive criminal history.
Hazell had previously read a letter of apology to his victims, their families, first responders, and the community, attributing his actions to drug use and expressing interest in rehabilitation.
The Incident Unfolds
On March 28, 2023, Hazell's crime spree began when he took a green Holden Commodore from outside a childcare center in Sutton, NSW, with an eight-year-old girl inside. He drove a short distance before releasing the child unharmed. Under the clear influence of drugs, Hazell then drove erratically, with dashcam and CCTV footage capturing him weaving across roads, crossing median strips, and overtaking at dangerous speeds.
He subsequently drove onto a median strip on Canberra Avenue in Griffith, striking two teenage boys, aged 14 and 15, who were walking to school. Hazell then crashed the stolen car near the Manuka shops, where he was arrested by members of the public and later police.
Profound Victim Impact
The incident left the two teenage boys with severe, life-altering injuries, and traumatized the young girl.
One 15-year-old St Edmund's College student sustained severe injuries to three fingers, leading to ongoing weakness and pain in both hands, and reported an inability to play football as before. He also experiences anxiety when passing the crash site.
The mother of the second boy stated her son spent 49 days in hospital, underwent eight-and-a-half hours of emergency surgery, and faced potential arm amputation due to his injuries.
The father of the eight-year-old girl who was in the stolen car described her experiencing a "moment of terror" that profoundly altered her worldview.
Arrest and Controversial Force
Following the crash, members of the public initially tackled Hazell to the ground before uniformed police officers arrested and subdued him. Police body-worn camera footage captured Hazell expressing immediate concern after the crash, stating, "I hope I haven't f***ing hurt anyone" and "I think I hit one of those kids."
Approximately three minutes after his initial arrest and handcuffing, two members of the Australian Federal Police's (AFP) Tactical Response Team arrived. Footage shows an officer grabbing Hazell by the neck and shoving him to the ground while he stated he was "done" and "not resisting" as he was already handcuffed. During this interaction, a uniformed officer informed the tactical officers that "body cam is on."
Investigations and Civil Lawsuit
Internal Police Findings
Prosecutor Tamzin Lee acknowledged in a written submission that Hazell was a "victim of unlawful use of force" by AFP tactical response officers post-arrest. An internal AFP investigation confirmed that the officers' conduct breached professional standards, and an AFP spokesperson stated that "appropriate sanctions will be applied."
Alex Caruana, President of the Australian Federal Police Association, acknowledged the conduct but highlighted that the officers had been rendering first aid to the injured children prior to confronting Hazell, describing it as a "highly charged, highly emotive situation."
Hazell's Civil Action
Hazell has filed a civil lawsuit against the Commonwealth for "unlawful battery" during his arrest, seeking damages for physical injuries to his face, blood, distress, pain, fear, and embarrassment. His lawyer, Sam Lynch, argued that Hazell was already controlled when tactical officers arrived, rendering their involvement unnecessary, and characterized the force used as "retributive." The civil case against the Commonwealth is set for July.
Community Response and Safety Improvements
In the aftermath of the incident, calls were made for improved safety around St Edmund's College. This community advocacy led to the approval of a signalised crossing to enhance pedestrian safety, addressing local concerns following the tragic event.