The heartbroken family and friends of a young model who lost her life to a drunk driver are expressing their outrage and dismay with a legal system that permitted the offender to be released on bail, leaving them to grapple with their grief alone.
“The social fabric of this state is shattered when it comes to supporting and aiding crime victims,” remarked Michael Hodder, the victim’s father, as he stood outside the courthouse on Friday.
He continued, “There’s a noticeable lack of leadership, sincerity, and an overarching framework dedicated to safeguarding community members.”
“Such a violent and cruel conclusion for my kind and loving daughter,” her mother lamented through tears.
The grief-stricken parents faced the harrowing task of identifying their daughter, Ms. Hodder, while her accused killer, Mathiasson, was already out on bail.
“To see her at the coroner’s court, to embrace and say goodbye to her, knowing her offender was free, was indescribably cruel,” Mr. Hodder shared.
Nathwani said his client, who cried throughout Friday’s hearing, accepted he would have to serve a “significant prison sentence” and recognised his actions caused a “horrendous tragedy”.
The barrister said Mathiasson had found solace in alcohol to deal with trauma from his mother’s suicide.
Mathiasson was remanded in custody to await his sentence on November 10. He faces up to 20 years behind bars.
