Her driving killed a Qld teen model, but she walks free

THE young French nurse who caused the death of 17-year-old Far Northern model in a fatal crash last year will not have to spend time behind bars.

Judge Michael Shanahan said Cindy Gonin's physical and psychological injuries as a result of the crash on August 3 on the Mareeba Dimbulah Rd placed the 25-year-old's case in a special category.

Gonin had been driving on the wrong side of the road at a slight bend when she caused the head on collision.

Elyse Miller-Kennedy died in Townsville Hospital on August 10.

"I accept that you're going to live with it for the rest of your life," Judge Shanahan said.

The Cairns District Court was told that Gonin has the date of the crash tattooed on her neck.

A medical report stated that she needed ongoing morphine pain management, physiotherapy, counselling and psychological care.

She was handed a wholly suspended two year jail term and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

French tourist Cindy Gonin, aided by crutches and supported by family and friends, who was involved in the fatal crash that killed Elyse Miller-Kennedy enters the Cairns District Court for sentencing on Tuesday. PICTURE: JUSTIN BRIERTY

EARLIER: A young French nurse who caused the fatal crash that killed a Far Northern teen model may avoid time behind bars.

Cindy Gonin was in tears and shaking as she sat in the Cairns District Court dock and pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of 17-year-old Elyse Miller-Kennedy.

Gonin was allegedly driving on the wrong side of the Mareeba Dimbulah Rd on August 3 last year when her vehicle hit the car driven by Ms Miller-Kennedy.

Miss World Australia finalist Elyse Miller-Kennedy. Source: INSTAGRAM @elyse1miller

As a result, Gonin also suffered serious arm and leg injuries which required multiple surgeries and was initially treated in Cairns before returning home to France while legal proceedings continued.

The matter was listed for sentence this morning. However Judge Michael Shanahan was unsatisfied with the medical report provided.

Judge Shanahan said it did not go into detail about Gonin's psychological state, which could play an important factor in terms of penalty.

Judge Shanahan adjourned the matter for mention on Friday and recommended "wholeheartedly" that Legal Aid speed up Gonin's application.

Family members and friends grieve as they watch the hearse carrying the coffin of Elyse Miller-Kennedy being driven away which was held at St Thomas Catholic Church in Mareeba. PICTURE: JUSTIN BRIERTY

EARLIER: The French nurse responsible for a crash that killed a Far North model will be sentenced in the Cairns District Court this morning.

Cindy Gonin arrived at the Cairns courthouse on crutches surrounded by supporters.

She is charged with dangerous driving causing the death of 17-year-old Elyse Miller-Kennedy on the Mareeba Dimbulah Rd on August 3 last year.

Ms Gonin was allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road when her vehicle hit the car driven by Ms Miller-Kennedy.

Ms Gonin also suffered serious arm and leg injuries which required multiple surgeries and was initially treated in Cairns before returning home to France while legal proceedings continued.