Teen charged over North Lake crash that killed Nick Campo surrenders bail to ‘demonstrate remorse’

Rebeka Petroska and Bryce Luff
7NEWS
The fatal crash happened in North Lake, in Perth's south.

A teenager charged over a crash that claimed the life of talented young athlete Nick Campo has surrendered his bail, in what he described as a demonstration of his remorse.

The decision means the 17-year-old accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been taken into custody.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Teen driver charged over Nick Campo’s death surrenders bail.

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His family was visibly upset as they left Perth Children’s Court after his latest appearance on Thursday.

The teen is charged with manslaughter, dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving occasion bodily harm.

He will appear in court again in December.

He was allegedly driving a Toyota HiLux which rolled and collided with another car on Farrington Rd in North Lake, in Perth’s southern suburbs, in July.

Nick Campo’s parents hope their pain can act as a warning to other young drivers.
Nick Campo’s parents hope their pain can act as a warning to other young drivers. Credit: 7NEWS
The Farrington Rd crash scene where Nick Campo died.
The Farrington Rd crash scene where Nick Campo died. Credit: 7NEWS

Five people were in the HiLux, including Campo, who was celebrating his 18th birthday.

The South Fremantle Colts player’s death came as WA authorities tried to get a handle on the state’s road toll, which is at an eight-year high.

A road safety summit was held in September, with the government announcing a $32.5 million funding boost to increase safety on regional roads soon after.

The package includes $20 million for road upgrades and $8.6 million for two new breath and drug-testing buses.

And this week the state government revealed it was introducing into parliament a recently spruiked bill that will restrict red provisional-plate drivers from carrying more than one passenger with them.

The aim is to limit the risk of novice driver crashes caused by distraction and will bring WA more into line with Australian states.

The legislation is known as Tom’s Law and was named after Tom Saffioti who died while a passenger in a car that slammed into a tree in 2021.

There will be exceptions to the law, including if the additional passengers are immediate family or required as part of the driver’s employment.

The rules will apply from December 1.

“This legislation, which will bring WA into line with all other jurisdictions in Australia except the Northern Territory, will reduce distractions for novice drivers in those crucial six months after they attain their licences,” Premier Roger Cook said.

Nick Campo’s friend Tyler Rowe says photos of his facial scars should act as a deterrent to dangerous driving.
Nick Campo’s friend Tyler Rowe says photos of his facial scars should act as a deterrent to dangerous driving. Credit: 7NEWS
Tyler Rowe and Josh Jackson were injured in the North Lake crash that killed their friend in Perth's southern suburbs in July.

Campo’s friend and teammate Tyler Rowe was among those in the HiLux when it crashed.

Rowe, 18, spent more than a week in a coma after suffering severe head injuries and several broken bones.

“We’re just proof that it can happen to anyone,” he said last week.

“I’m sure if someone saw a picture of what I looked like straight after the crash it would make them rethink what they’re doing. I was not that good at all.”

In the same week the friends spoke with 7NEWS, two P-plate drivers were allegedly caught speeding at least 90km/h over the posted limit.

WA’s road toll stands at 156 fatalities in 2024.

Originally published on 7NEWS

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