A woman who left two swimmers with severe injuries after running them over while driving a speedboat under the influence of alcohol has been sentenced to prison. Michelle Lohf, 44, was jailed for two years and eight months after pleading guilty to one count of aggravated causing serious harm by dangerous driving.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on the River Murray in Mannum, about 85km east of Adelaide, just before 7pm on January 26, 2025. Emergency services were called to the scene after reports that a woman had been struck by a boat. CCTV footage from a nearby riverside home captured the moment of impact.
Court Proceedings
Lohf had initially pleaded not guilty to one count of leaving the accident scene after causing serious harm and was scheduled for a second trial. However, the charge was withdrawn in January. She was arrested following the collision, which left two swimmers with a list of horrific injuries.
Witness Accounts
Video recorded by one of the three women who accompanied Lohf on the speedboat for the ill-fated river cruise revealed the terrifying moments before and after the collision. In the footage, one of the women is heard screaming, 'Amy, Amy, f***, Amy. You just hit someone I think. I think you just hit someone in the water.'
Prior to the crash, a man referred to as Peter by Lohf can be heard warning her to watch out for swans and jet-skis. Lohf responded, 'I'll be fine. I got this Peter-bear.'
Sentencing
The court sentenced Lohf to two years and eight months in prison. The judge noted the severity of the injuries caused and the reckless nature of her actions while under the influence of alcohol. Further details are expected to emerge as the case concludes.
