The Attorney-General will appeal the sentencing of a teen responsible for the deaths of Kate Leadbetter and Matthew Field. 

The 18-year-old was handed a 10-year prison sentence earlier this month, with a non-parole period of six years for the couple’s deaths on Australia Day, 2021.

The court heard the then-17-year-old was affected by alcohol and cannabis at the time of the crash.

Shannon Fentiman has signed a notice of appeal for the sentence, to be lodged later this afternoon.

“I have listened, I have taken the advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions and now I am appealing this matter,” she said.

It comes after a petition to state parliament launched by Redlands Mayor Karen Williams amassed almost 47,000 signatures.

Press PLAY below to hear Sofie Formica’s on-air reaction 

Ms Fentiman told Sofie Formica she had sought advice on an appeal immediately after the sentencing was handed down last week.

“It was important that I take the time to get the advice and make a decision,” she said. “This was a heartbreaking case.

“It was a tragedy that Matt and Kate and their unborn child lost their lives in these horrific circumstances.”

She said the case had already prompted “significant” changes in the state’s youth justice system.

“The Minister for Youth Justice, Minister Linnard, took some changes to the parliament to reverse the presumption of bail.”

Press PLAY below to hear the Attorney-General further reflect on her decision 

Image: Annastacia Palaszczuk / Twitter