A former police officer who caused a fatal crash that killed a mother and son near Richmond two years ago has been given a suspended prison sentence.
Cassandra Joy Richardson, 28, was off-duty and had just finished a shift when the crash occurred on Brinktop Road between Sorell and Richmond on May 10, 2022.
The collision claimed the lives of 51-year-old Teresa Brown and her 16-year-old son Jim.
Magistrate Andrew McKee found Richardson guilty of two counts of causing death by negligent driving, driving without due care and driving while disqualified.
He said a witness had seen Richardson swerve off the road multiple times in the lead up to the fatal collision.
Tasmania Police alleged the crash was caused when Richardson fell asleep at the wheel and lost control.
In court on Friday, McKee acknowledged the devastating impact the crash had on the Brown family.
He handed down a six-month suspended sentence, meaning Richardson can avoid prison if she stays out of trouble for the next 12 months.
The magistrate also imposed a 12-month driving ban.
Richardson resigned from Tasmania Police following the charges.
