Elise Hodder was a vibrant young woman known for her infectious smile. At just 24, she was carving out a promising modelling career, having been featured in New York magazine Vanguard. Tragically, her life was cut short during a night out in Melbourne in October last year when Elise and her friends were struck by a car while celebrating a friend’s birthday.
Her mother, Pauline Courtney, recalls their last moments together, where Elise expressed her love just hours before the devastating incident. The accident not only resulted in Elise’s death but left her friend with serious injuries. The driver, Connor Mathiasson, is facing charges for culpable driving and was alleged to have been unlicensed, intoxicated, and under the influence of drugs.
The court proceedings revealed that Mathiasson, who had no previous criminal record, was granted bail after a $100,000 surety from his father. Five months later, he accepted responsibility for dangerous driving but intends to contest the more severe charges. This has inflicted further emotional trauma on Elise’s parents, who feel that the justice process has compounded their grief with ongoing court appearances.
Elise’s parents believe that families of victims should have a say earlier in the judicial process, arguing that they should be able to express their feelings and insights during bail hearings, rather than only after a conviction through victim impact statements. This desire stems from their personal experience navigating the justice system during an incredibly difficult time.
Michael, Elise’s father, who has extensive experience working with the Victorian government, has been advocating for better support for victims’ families within the system. He has expressed concern over the lack of communication from policy-makers regarding their experiences, signalling a disconnect between the government and those affected by crime.
In response to the tragedy and the ongoing struggles faced by victims’ families, the Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, affirmed her commitment to ensuring victims’ voices are heard and respected. She acknowledged the need for reforms and expressed her condolences to Elise’s family.
The Commissioner for Victims’ Rights also emphasised the importance of including lived experiences in policy-making to better support victims, noting ongoing efforts to improve the justice system for those affected by crime.
As Elise’s parents continue to campaign for meaningful changes to the justice process, they hope that sharing their journey will contribute to a system that offers support and acknowledgement to all victims of crime, allowing their voices to resonate more prominently throughout the legal proceedings.