Former AFL player sentenced in Brand Highway double manslaughter case
A former Australian Football League (AFL) player, Shannon Cox, has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison for the manslaughter of two women in a head-on collision on the Brand Highway near Cooljarloo, about 170 kilometres north of Perth. The court heard Cox was under a community-based order for drug-driving offences at the time of the crash and had methylamphetamine in his system, which prosecutors say contributed to the deadly incident.
The crash and its victims
On the night of the incident, June last year, Cox’s Toyota Prado drifted onto the wrong side of the highway and collided with a road train trailer. After spinning, the Prado struck the trailer again before smashing into a hatchback carrying Thelma Clausen and Coral Seinor, both in their 80s. The pair, long-time friends, died at the scene. Their families described the women as devoted community members whose lives were deeply intertwined with local clubs and associations.
Meth use and driving history
During the trial, prosecutors revealed that Cox admitted to having smoked meth days before the crash. The court heard he had two prior convictions for driving with methylamphetamine in his system, in 2022 and 2023, and he was on a community-based order when the collision occurred. Prosecutor Michael Cvetkoski noted that Cox breached bail twice by using meth while under the community order. The defense described the day as a “fateful mistake” and emphasized Cox’s long path of drug-related issues dating back to his youth.
Legal outcome and sentencing
Shannon Cox pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter. Justice Stephen Lemonis noted the devastation caused by Cox’s actions, while acknowledging Cox’s lengthy criminal history, including drug and driving offences. The court imposed a sentence of 10 years and six months, backdated to October 2024. Cox will be eligible for parole after serving eight years and six months and will be disqualified from holding a driver’s licence for four years after release.
Impact on families and community
Public attendance at the sentencing heard tearful statements from relatives of the victims. Leanne Clausen spoke of a mother who was kind and active in the community, describing the loss as a “crater” in their lives. Suzanne Seinor recalled her mother as the heart of their family, noting the void left by someone who “loved unconditionally.” The victim impact statements underscored the lasting emotional toll and the sense that the crash could have been avoided with different choices about alcohol and drug use and driving.
Broader implications for road safety
The case has reignited discussions about road safety, especially the ongoing dangers of drug-impaired driving and the enforcement of community-based orders. Advocates for road safety say the tragedy highlights how even a single lapse can have catastrophic consequences for innocent bystanders. The court’s decision aims to reflect both the severity of the harm caused and the need for accountability in cases involving substances and driving offences.
What comes next
Cox remains in custody, with parole available after roughly eight and a half years of imprisonment. The decision serves as a stark reminder that dual responsibilities—public safety and personal accountability—are not just abstract ideas for athletes or community members but essential safeguards for everyone on the road.
