Former AFL player Shannon Cox sentenced for Brand Highway crash that killed two women
A former Collingwood AFL player has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of manslaughter following a head-on collision on Brand Highway near Cooljarloo, about 170 kilometres north of Perth. The crash, which occurred in June last year, claimed the lives of Thelma Clausen and Coral Seinor, two friends in their eighties who were en route to a Country Women’s Association (CWA) event.
The crash and the drug connection
Shannon Cox, 39, was driving a Toyota Prado when his vehicle drifted onto the wrong side of the highway. The SUV struck a road train trailer, spun, hit the trailer again, and then crashed into a hatchback carrying the elderly women. Both women died at the scene. The court heard that Cox had methamphetamine in his system at the time and had admitted to having smoked meth days before the crash, suggesting he may have fallen asleep behind the wheel.
Legal proceedings and substance use
Prosecutor Michael Cvetkoski stated that Cox had two prior convictions for driving with methylamphetamine in his system, in 2022 and 2023. He was on a community-based order when the June crash occurred and had breached bail on more than one occasion due to meth use while under supervision. Cox pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter, a decision the prosecutor said reflected the gravity of the victims’ deaths.
Defence depiction of events
Defence lawyer Paul Holmes described the day of the crash as a “fateful mistake.” He explained that Cox, who was in the process of reconciling his family, had been compelled to drive from Geraldton to Perth to retrieve his wife after she had been released from custody. The court heard that Cox’s daughter was in the passenger seat during the incident and sustained minor injuries. Holmes argued that Cox was deeply remorseful and that his actions had impacted thousands of people beyond the immediate victims.
The judge’s perspective and the victims’ families
Justice Stephen Lemonis underscored the devastation caused by Cox’s actions. He noted that Clausen and Seinor were travelling to a CWA event and emphasized the long-lasting impact on their families and community. Victim impact statements from Leanne Clausen and Suzanne Seinor spoke of an irreparable loss, sleeplessness, and trauma that continues to affect those left behind. The statements highlighted the women’s kindness, community involvement, and the special bonds they shared with family and friends.
Sentencing details
Cox was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison, with the sentence backdated to October 2024. He will be eligible for parole after serving eight years and six months. In addition, he was disqualified from holding a driver’s licence for four years after his release, reflecting the court’s emphasis on public safety and accountability in a case that intertwined sport, personal struggles, and fatal consequences.
Why this case matters
The Brand Highway crash has reignited discussions about meth use, road safety, and accountability among drivers with prior offences. While Cox’s professional past as a footballer drew headlines, the courtroom focused on the human cost of impaired driving. The two women who died, and their families, are at the heart of this case, reminding the public of the fragile line between everyday life and tragedy on Australia’s roads.
Conclusion
The sentencing marks a formal closure for a tragedy that began with risky choices and substance abuse. It serves as a sober reminder that no sport, club affiliation, or public standing can shield individuals from the consequences of dangerous driving when meth involvement is part of the equation. The community continues to reflect on the losses suffered and the importance of road safety as a shared responsibility.
