Mother grieves for son killed in 'skid car' crash as driver is jailed

A court has heard the driver of a dangerously modified "skid car" that was involved in a fatal crash is glad to be in jail.

This story contains photos and the name of an Aboriginal person who has died, used with the permission of his family.

Charlie Ernst Keogh, 27, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death after smashing into a power pole in Tamworth on March 10, 2025.

Logan Power, 18, died after being thrown from the vehicle.

Keogh was yesterday sentenced in Tamworth District Court to three years and two months in jail.

He will be disqualified from driving for three years once released.

Judge Peter McGrath told the court a psychiatrist's report showed Keogh had genuine remorse for his actions.

The report quoted him as saying: "I feel like shit, I feel like crying every day, I can't bring my mate back."

"I don't blame [the Power family] for hating me, I'm glad I'm in jail, it gives them some closure for what I've done."

Modified 'skid car'

The court heard that Keogh was driving at no less than 92 kilometres an hour in a 50km/h zone at the time of the crash.

Judge McGrath told the court that Keogh had modified the vehicle into a "skid car".

That involved clamping the rear brakes and adjusting the differential to make it better at performing burn-outs, but overall more difficult to control.

The court heard forensic examination found the rear brakes were not working during the crash.

"[Keogh] was aware that, in his own words, it took longer for the car to slow down, due to clamping the rear brakes," Judge McGrath said.

"He'd intended to modify the car back, but hadn't got around to it.

"Mr Keogh put not just Logan, but Logan's brother and his own partner [who were also in the car] at risk."

'Nothing will bring him home'

Mr Power's friends and family filled the court, with some having to sit in the jury box.

All wore shirts depicting the young man, with many weeping as Holly Power read about the loss of her son.

"As a family, we've had to watch one another suffer while finding a way to survive our own pain," Ms Power said.

"No matter how much we wish, beg, or pray, nothing will bring him home.

"Logan, my beautiful boy, my Logi Bear, you should be here."

Genuinely sorry

When handing down his sentence, Judge McGrath said the court accepted Keogh pleaded guilty at the earliest possible opportunity and was "deeply and genuinely" sorry for his actions.

"His recognition that he killed his mate and wakes every morning with sorrow for what he's done … that will last longer than any sentence of imprisonment," Judge McGrath said.

 "But I won't let it undermine the criminality of taking someone's life driving dangerously like he did.