A man has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated dangerous driving that caused the death of his former partner near Orange, New South Wales.

Rolong Stanley was sentenced in the Orange District Court on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, after the fatal crash on Lake Canobolas Road near Orange on 9 February 2025. The crash killed 42-year-old Justine Hammond.

The court heard Stanley had been driving after drinking and was subject to an apprehended domestic violence order (AVO) that prohibited him from contacting Ms Hammond or being within 500 metres of her. He was also subject to a court order preventing him from drinking. Despite those restrictions, the court heard he was with Ms Hammond at an apple orchard on the afternoon of the crash.

Stanley pleaded guilty to aggravated dangerous driving causing death. Other charges, including alleged breaches of the AVO and high-range drink-driving charges, were withdrawn after his guilty plea, according to AAP.

Judge Penny Musgrave sentenced Stanley to five years' imprisonment. He received a non-parole period of three years and seven months, meaning he will become eligible for parole in May 2029.

The court also considered the condition of the vehicle and Stanley's driving status. He had been driving an unregistered vehicle with a defect notice and was disqualified from holding a driver's licence.

Ms Hammond's sister, Adrienne Hiko, travelled from New Zealand to attend the sentencing and address the court. She described the impact of her sister's death on the family and said the loss had left lasting consequences for her relatives and Ms Hammond's daughters.

The sentencing brings a significant court proceeding arising from the 2025 crash to a conclusion, although the sentence remains subject to the normal appeal and parole processes.

The case also demonstrates the serious legal consequences that can follow dangerous driving involving alcohol, particularly where court orders and driving restrictions are already in place.