A driver on parole for a previous offense has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for killing a 12-year-old girl in a drug-fueled crash earlier this year. Jordan Kenyon was found to be under the influence of GHB when he lost control of his vehicle and crossed into oncoming traffic, fatally striking Mia Rossiter's family car on January 3, 2024.
County Court Judge Michael Tinney characterized Kenyon's actions as "manic" and "totally avoidable," stating that it was "a matter of time until you killed someone on the road." The Rossiter family had been driving home near Geelong, Australia, after a meal when the collision occurred. Mia was in the back seat with her younger sister, while her father was asleep in the front passenger seat and her mother was driving.
Kenyon, 31, pleaded guilty to culpable driving causing death, negligently causing serious injury, and conduct endangering life. The judge noted Kenyon's extensive criminal history, including a prior dangerous driving offense for which he was wearing an ankle bracelet at the time of the fatal crash. Disturbing footage shown in court depicted Kenyon weeks before the incident swerving into oncoming traffic, drinking alcohol, and driving with his knees while declaring himself the "best f***ing designated drunk driver in the world."
"You were a maniac on the 14th of December," Judge Tinney told Kenyon. "Less than three weeks later, and a young girl is dead and her family changed forever. All because of you."
In the aftermath of the crash, Kenyon provided false information to police, initially claiming he was not the driver and blaming the incident on a non-existent person. The judge also revealed that authorities believed Kenyon had repeatedly breached his parole conditions. "You are a drug-affected, negligent and incompetent driver," Judge Tinney stated.
Mia Rossiter's family, who filled the courtroom during sentencing, expressed anguish over the outcome. Her father, Paul Rossiter, told reporters outside the court that he believed Kenyon would offend again and questioned the leniency of the sentence. He described his daughter as having a "heart of gold" with dreams of becoming an author, whose future was tragically cut short.
Kenyon was sentenced to 16 years in prison, with a non-parole period of 12 years. As he was led away, family members shouted at him. The other occupants of the Rossiter vehicle also sustained serious injuries, with Mr. Rossiter still requiring walking aids.
