Shattered Melbourne parents confront drunk driver who killed their daughter Elise Hodder
Shattered Melbourne parents have come face-to-face with the drunk driver who killed their daughter in a devastating court hearing that laid bare the family’s ongoing anguish.
Elise Hodder, 24, was run over twice and killed outside a rave party in Kooyong a year ago when then-23-year-old Connor Matthiason reversed his Commodore at speed through a car park on October 13.
Matthiason was unlicensed, on drugs and four times the alcohol limit at the time of the fatal incident.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.His substance problem has been blamed on the trauma of his mother’s suicide.
In powerful victim impact statements delivered to the court, Elise’s father Michael Hodder said: “Nothing prepared me for the devastation. Her future was criminally stolen.”
The grieving father told the court he was losing faith in the system.
“The social fabric of this state is in tatters in relation to helping and assisting victims of crime,” he said.
Elise’s mother Pauline Hodder described how the family now suffers “a life sentence of loss and sorrow” following the death of their daughter, who was an aspiring social worker.
The tragic incident also left Emma Swords with two broken ankles when Matthiason ploughed into the group.
She described being “failed by the system” when he was granted bail.
Elise’s brother James Hodder directed his anger squarely at the driver, telling him: “We are all victims of your actions.”
Almost 30 grieving friends and family members packed the Victorian County Court on Friday to hear the victim impact statements in a pre-sentencing hearing for Mathiasson.
He has pleaded guilty to culpable driving causing her death.
Matthiason broke down in court, crying and clutching a tissue as the victim’s family spoke about their devastating loss.
While he is likely to receive a reduced sentence due to his remorse and early guilty plea, jail time appears inevitable. It will be his first time in custody.
His lawyer, Rishi Nathwani KC, told the court that Matthiason “is fearful of prison”.
