Amy Lohf Sentenced for Causing Serious Harm by Dangerous Boating
"Lohf had a predicted blood alcohol reading of 0.17, more than three times the legal limit for driving a boat."
Amy Lohf, 44, of Mannum, was sentenced on Friday in the District Court of South Australia to two years, eight months, and 13 days in prison. She will serve a non-parole period of one year and four months after pleading guilty to an aggravated count of causing serious harm by dangerous driving.
The Incident
On January 26, 2025, Lohf was operating a boat with two water-skiers attached on the River Murray at Mannum. She ran over two swimmers near the riverbank. A young woman was struck by the boat's propeller and suffered severe injuries.
Intoxication and Impairment
Video evidence showed Lohf smiling and waving before the incident. She had to be told to stop the boat after hitting the swimmers.
Judge Heath Barklay stated that Lohf's intoxication significantly impaired her ability to operate the vessel. "It affected her perception, concentration, decision-making, and reaction times," he noted.
Lohf admitted to consuming champagne before the incident, sharing four bottles among three people.
Remorse and Community Impact
Despite the severity of the offense, Judge Barklay remarked that Lohf was "truly remorseful" for her actions. He also noted that she had been ostracized in her community due to extensive media attention.
"She had been ostracized in her community due to media attention."
Sentence Details
- Total sentence: 2 years, 8 months, 13 days
- Non-parole period: 1 year, 4 months
- Eligible for parole: September 2026