Shane Cross

World famous skateboarder Ali Boulala jailed for 2 years

A WORLD-famous skateboarder will spend at least two years in jail for killing champion Australian skater Shane Cross in a motorcycle crash.

Ali Boulala killed Cross when he smashed into the wall of the Tramway Hotel on March 7 last year. A rising superstar, Cross, 20, was a pillion passenger on the bike.

Boulala had a blood alcohol concentration of .162 and Cross, who died in hospital, had a blood alcohol level of .18. Neither of the men were wearing helmets.

Swedish-born Boulala has pioneered skating manoeuvres, featured in skateboarding videos, featured on the front cover of Transworld Skateboarding magazine and designed his own shoes. About 100,000 skateboards have been sold carrying his name since he turned professional in 1997.

The pro-skater suffered a severe brain injury in the accident and has not been able to return to skateboarding or motorbike riding.

Boulala spent more than three months in hospital and suffered post-traumatic amnesia for 65 days. By the time he was discharged from hospital he was able to walk 200m without a walking aid.

He was likely to be permanent affected by the injuries he sustained, Judge Pullen said. There was a question mark over whether he would ever be able to get on a skateboard again, she said.

"Prior to this offence you were a person of good character. You were also a role model, as was Shane Cross."

Horrible situation... Has this kid already suffered enough for his mistakes, or is it important to make a lesson out of him because of his "role model" status and the grief of Cross's family? Let me know... A WORLD-famous skateboarder will spend at least two years in jail for killing champion Australian skater Shane Cross in a motorcycle c... more

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