Tamworth mother charged over 2025 dam crash fails to appear in court

A woman from Tamworth, the mother of an 11‑year‑old girl who died when a black SUV plunged into a dam near Tenterfield on 10 September 2025, did not attend her first court hearing on 30 July. Police allege she was driving dangerously and under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash. Five charges were laid: dangerous driving occasioning death while under the influence, dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, driving under the influence of drugs, and driving with an illicit drug in her blood.

Judge Mark Richardson adjourned the matter, issuing brief service orders and directing that the Director of Public Prosecutions take over the case. The hearing was set to continue in August at the Armidale Local Court. A fundraising campaign for the family raised over AU$43,000. The woman’s identity is being protected for legal reasons.