A 17-year-old charged with the murders of a Brisbane couple killed in a crash on Australia Day won't face any charges relating to the death of their unborn child.
Kate Leadbetter was pregnant when she and her partner Matt Field were struck by an allegedly stolen car driven by the teenager in Alexandra Hills on January 26.
Police said legal advice shows they can't charge him with killing an unborn child in this case.
"We understand that this may be difficult for some to understand," Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd told reporters on Tuesday.
'But I can assure you that the death of baby Miles will not be overlooked and will be presented for consideration to the courts as an aggravating element of the murder charge that we have put forward relating to the death of his mother Kate."
The families of Matt and Kate met with police two weeks ago about the potential for no specific charge to be laid in relation to the death of the unborn child.
"The issue as I said was less about technical charges and more at least about an acknowledgement that their grandson was taken from them as well, and I think their strength is strengthening us I can assure you," Mr Codd said.
Queensland has strengthened bail laws as part of a suite of measures aimed at reducing youth crime after a series of high profile incidents.
While bail is an important part of the approach, Mr Codd said the alleged offender in this case did not fit the category "very neatly".
"Bail is but one component of it, the offending is a different component of it, and why we have still got people who think that they can ignore the lives and the rights of others to go about their lives peacefully without having to worry about crossing a road and walking a dog, I hope we can get to the root of that."
Last month he said some reporting about the teen being on bail for a large number of serious criminal offences analogous to the Australia Day incident was incorrect.
As well as the murder charges, the teen faces eight additional charges including dangerous driving while under the influence of an intoxicant, failing to fulfil duties at the scene of a crash and wilful damage.
He allegedly ran a red light and deliberately collided with a truck at an intersection before the 4WD rolled and ploughed into the couple who were crossing the road.
Relatives and friends farewelled Matt, Kate and Miles at a private funeral on Monday.
Their families thanked all those who joined them to say goodbye and the wider community for the support and compassion they received.
"To the first responders and police who looked after Matt, Kate and Miles, and who have supported our families throughout this difficult time, words cannot express the depth of our gratitude for the way you have cared for each and every one of us," the family said in statement.
The teenager is being held in custody and will appear in Brisbane Children's Court on February 15.
Australian Associated Press
