A former journalist who was drunk when he killed his mate in a high-speed crash has been jailed for almost eight years.
Trent Evans, 45, appeared in the County Court of Victoria where he was sentenced to seven years and 10 months behind bars over the death of Rex Willox at Burnley last year.
He can apply for parole in just over five years.
Evans, who also worked as a DJ, had been binge-drinking champagne for hours and was more than twice the legal limit when he ploughed into a power pole on Barkly Avenue with Mr Willox as his passenger.
The County Court heard that Evans had been abstaining from alcohol and the glasses of champagne he consumed before the crash were his first drinks in three years.
Judge Gregory Lyon said that Evans had a history of drink driving and was previously given a suspended sentence in 2005.
"You were driving just under twice the legal speed limit in a built-up area," the judge said.
"You did so when your blood-alcohol content was well over double the legal limit."
Evans appeared in court by video link from the Metropolitan Remand Centre, wearing a green tracksuit.
He did not react as he was sentenced.
Hours of drinking preceded crash
In February 2021, Evans went to Mr Willox's home in Toorak, where they began drinking champagne shortly after 10:15am.
The County Court heard that the pair drank steadily for about four-and-a-half hours, and at one point left to get more alcohol.
After the collision, investigators uncovered three empty bottles of champagne at Mr Willox's home.
They also found security footage of the pair drinking.
Just before 3pm, the pair left the apartment and hopped into Mr Willox's car where Evans took the wheel.
"I accept that the decision to drive was made spontaneously," the judge said.
Witnesses describe Evans driving the car erratically and almost hitting several parked cars.
As the car travelled along Barkly Avenue, it flew through the intersection of Gibdon Street and entered a right-hand curve.
Evans lost control of the car and it crossed into the left-hand lane before slamming into a power pole, which snapped.
The car then rolled before coming to rest on its wheels.
Mr Willox, 44, died at the scene.
The court today heard that Evans was driving at an estimated 112kph.
"You told those who attended and repeated to the police that you had been drinking and that you were the driver of the car," the judge said.
"When you were cautioned by police, you stated to the effect that you were not worried because you had told police the truth."
Evans spent three nights in the Alfred Hospital and ultimately pleaded guilty to culpable driving causing death.
Evans wrote to victim's family, expressed remorse
The County Court heard that Evans previously worked as a journalist for several newsrooms around the country including for the Herald Sun and the Seven Network.
He also worked at the ABC and WIN News.
"Although you found the work rewarding, you also found it very stressful working in a high-pressure environment," the judge said.
In 2016, Evans had a mental health crisis and was treated with anti-psychotics.
He later left journalism after being unable to deal with the demands of the job and ended up becoming homeless.
By November 2018, Evans was seeking help from homeless support services for showers, laundry and meals.
"In these years, you were at times assaulted and suffered the vicissitudes of life on the streets," Judge Lyons said.
Medical records from the time reveal that Evans was using methamphetamine, which was agitating his psychosis.
At the time of the crash, he was living at a motel in Parkville.
The court heard from his former social worker, Sarah Ward, who said Evans had a "complete understanding" of his crime.
"This has been a difficult and brutal process for Mr Evans, however, he has demonstrated a high degree of honesty and self-reflection and has expressed acceptance of his fate and the penalty that will be imposed by the court," Ms Ward said.
The court heard that Evans has written a letter of apology to Mr Willox's family.
He is disqualified from having a licence for four years.
