A fatal car crash on a freeway on-ramp in Perth has led to manslaughter and driving under the influence of drugs charges against Evie Butterworth.
Police claim that Butterworth, aged 29, was under multiple illegal drugs when her Nissan Maxima clipped Abbey Sherriff’s Nissan X-Trail on an on-ramp of the Kwinana Freeway in the southern suburb of Baldivis.
The impact caused Ms Sherriff’s vehicle to roll several times over 120m, leading to serious injuries and her death at the scene.
Butterworth’s toxicology report following the crash showed traces of methamphetamine, amphetamine, cocaine, and tetrahydrocannabinol (a psychoactive found in cannabis).
The court was told the cocktail of drugs would have rendered her ‘incapable of controlling a motor vehicle.’
Police calculated her average speed at the time of the crash was at least 141kmph, based on her being spotted at a service station about 47km away at 11pm.
Butterworth was held in custody after her arrest but was later granted bail.
She appeared again in court on one charge of driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs and one of manslaughter.
The presiding magistrate noted that she was entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Following the crash, Abbey’s parents, Darren and Julie Sheriff, said they would never be the same again.
They spoke to Nine News and shared their grief about their daughter’s death.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by a road crash, contact Road Trauma Support WA on 1300 004 814.