WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of people who have died.
A drunk driver who killed a 12-year-old Queensland boy is about to walk free after less than two and a half years in prison.
Nicholas Semler-Mitaros ran a red light at Bli Bli on the state’s Sunshine Coast, striking 12-year-old Dawlon Smith-Saunders as he crossed the road in 2023.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow
The teen, remembered as “cheeky, loving and caring”, died in hospital two weeks later.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Family horror as driver who killed brother freed.
“He was just finding his feet in life,” his sister Letitia Smith told 7NEWS.
Semler-Mitaros was a P-Plater, driving 27 kilometres over the speed limit with a blood alcohol reading of point 0.69
He was on parole with an extensive criminal history.
Semler-Mitaros pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and was sentenced to 4 and half year’s jail.
Dawlon Smith-Saunders, 12, was riding his scooter along David Low Way in Bli Bli on September 3 2023
when he was struck by an alleged drunk driver. Credit: 7NEWSThe boy died in hospital two weeks later. Credit: 7NEWS
But now he has been granted parole after less than two and a half years in prison, with Smith-Saunders’ family outraged his killer could serve such a short sentence.
Letitia recalled the phone call when she was told Semler-Mitaros would be released early.
“Numb, instantly I went numb,” Letitia said.
“How in the world could our justice system be like this.
She questioned how this could occur, referencing Queensland’s strict youth justice laws introduced in 2024 that would see sentences doubled for kids who commit a raft of crimes.
“Yeah, the Premier put out a call for harsher sentences on youth. But I mean, look, we have adults here killing our youths and you get four and a half years. What? That’s a joke,” Letitia said.
Nicholas Semler-Mitaros was sentenced to four and a half years jail. Credit: 7NEWSMitaros struck the 12-year-old while he crossed the road. Credit: 7NEWS
As part of his strict conditions for release, Semler-Mitaros must be sober, wear an ankle tracking monitor and not contact his victim’s family.
But Letitia says one day she wants to meet her brother’s killer.
“And I want him to know what pain he’s done to us,” she said.
‘Horrible’: Premier’s plea as police probe suspected murder-suicide
2 min read
CCTV shows moment driver almost hits pedestrians
1 min read
