DV offender jailed for five years over fatal crash that killed ex-partner

Rolong Stanley, 32, pleaded guilty to aggravated dangerous driving following the fatal crash that killed 42-year-old Justine Hammond. In sentencing at Orange District Court, Judge Penny Musgrave noted Stanley drove an unregistered car with a defect notice while disqualified from holding a licence.

Ms Hammond's sister, Adrienne Hiko, travelled from New Zealand to give a victim impact statement, telling the court that her sister's death was "entirely preventable" and that Stanley's actions showed a "complete lack of regard for human life." She described Ms Hammond as a "gentle and deeply compassionate soul."

The court heard that Stanley was subject to an apprehended domestic violence order (AVO) prohibiting him from contacting Ms Hammond or being within 500 metres of her. He breached that order by spending time with her at an apple orchard on the day of the crash. A charge of breaching the AVO was later dropped.

Stanley was also serving an Intensive Correctional Order (ICO) for previous domestic violence offences against Ms Hammond, which banned him from drinking alcohol. Judge Musgrave said his willingness to breach court orders placed "upward pressure" on his sentence. The ICO was imposed in December 2024 for convictions including being armed with intent to commit an offence and assault causing bodily harm.

Judge Musgrave described Lake Canobolas Road, where the crash occurred, as requiring a driver's "care and attention," adding that Stanley's dangerous driving put other motorists at risk.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The case highlights the intersection of domestic violence and road fatalities, showing how breaches of protective orders can have deadly consequences.
The victim's family raised concerns about preventability, pointing to gaps in enforcing AVOs and court-ordered conditions.
The sentence sets a precedent for how courts treat dangerous driving when combined with prior domestic violence and non-compliance with orders.

Background

Rolong Stanley had a history of domestic violence offences against Justine Hammond, including assault and weapons charges, for which he received an Intensive Correctional Order in December 2024. That order prohibited alcohol consumption. On February 9, 2025, he was driving an unregistered car on Lake Canobolas Road near Orange despite being disqualified, and crashed, killing Ms Hammond. He breached both the AVO and the ICO.

Key Perspectives

Victim's family: Adrienne Hiko stated that the death was preventable and that the family has received a "life sentence of pain." They sought accountability for the disregard of court orders. Judge Penny Musgrave: Emphasised that Stanley should not have been with the victim or drinking, and that his willingness to breach court orders justified a longer sentence. Critics/Skeptics: The dropping of the AVO breach charge may raise questions about how such breaches are handled, though dangerous driving was the primary charge. Some may argue the non-parole period of under four years is insufficient given the history of domestic violence.

What to Watch

Whether the non-parole period (expiring May 2029) prompts any appeal by the prosecution or defence.
Potential scrutiny of how NSW courts enforce AVOs and ICOs in domestic violence cases.
Any legislative or policy changes following public attention to this case.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Background

Key Perspectives

What to Watch

Sources