Stacey Leigh Cunningham excused from court appearance over crash that killed daughter and second child

The mother charged over a fatal crash on the WA Day long weekend which killed two young children including her own daughter did not to appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Friday. Stacey Leigh Cunningham, 30, is charged with driving under the influence of an illicit drug and three counts of careless driving causing death or bodily harm resulting from the June 1 crash. The horror crash occurred at an intersection in Georgina when a large utility smashed into the rear of the sedan belonging to the holidaying Perth family. Nate Stewart, 7, and Harmonie Cunningham, 10, died at the scene south of Geraldton while a family-friend, Cameron Byfield, was flown to Perth in a critical condition. Ms Cunningham’s lawyer, Ms Ashlee Taylor, called in to court to excuse Ms Cunningham’s non-appearance and ask for the case to be heard in Perth. “We’re seeking to have matters adjourned through to Perth,” she said. “At this stage I’m still seeking instructions from my client but this may be dealt with through plea.” In court, Magistrate Sandra De Maio warned Ms Taylor transferring the case would delay the proceedings if her client did not plead guilty. “My concern is, if this is a not guilty plea, the case will have to come back to Geraldton for a trial,” she said. “This will potentially delay the case, we should be mindful families are waiting for a resolution. Be cognisant of the delay.” Prosecutor Sergeant Beau Jones said there were no significant issues transferring the case as the lead investigators at the Major Crash unit were based there. The case was then adjourned by Magistrate De Maio, Ms Cunningham will be issued a summons to appear in Perth on September 21. She instructed Ms Taylor the plea should be determined as early as possible.