Connor Matthiasson, 23, has faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for allegedly killing Elise Hodder, 24, and hitting two other pedestrians while driving unlicensed, drunk and under the influence of cannabis.
On Tuesday, Matthiasson appeared where he was charged with culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving and negligently causing serious injury.
Per the Herald Sun, at about 1am on Sunday, Matthiasson allegedly “accelerated heavily” while trying to the Malvern City carpark as police arrived to break up an illegal rave. While reversing, Matthiasson allegedly hit one pedestrian before accelerating and striking Hodder and a third pedestrian with three passengers in the car.
It’s alleged that Hodder was dragged under Matthiasson’s car and died at the scene and a 26-year-old woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries to her lower body where she received surgery to both her ankles. A 25-year-old man was also hit, however he did not sustain injuries, 9News reports.
Police allege Matthiasson was driving unlicensed and allegedly recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.178 and tested positive for cannabis.
Magistrate Donna Bakos set Matthiasson’s bail at $100,000, which his father Adrian Matthiasson, paid. When granting his bail, Bakos acknowledged that Matthiason had undiagnosed mental health issues and praised Adrian’s honesty and determination to help his son.
The court also heard that Matthiasson’s license expired in July 2023.
Hodder’s parents, Michael and Pauline, told the Herald Sun that their family has been “torn apart” by her death.
“She was not only a model, but a lifeguard who protected other people,” they said.
“Simply — she was a beautiful, beautiful soul with a radiance that touched everybody. Her presence, respect for others and calmness is what the world was lucky to have. Our hearts are broken but devoted to supporting family and her friends. Torn apart, but your smile and heartbeat will always be with us.”
Matthiasson is set to return to court in February.
Image source: Instagram / Elise Hodder
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