A Victorian dad has been jailed after running over and killing a close friend while so drunk he had no memory of the crash, a court has been told.
Shaun Bartlett, 43, returned before the County Court on Friday and was jailed for 6½ years for causing the death of Justin Willman, 52, in January last year.
Bartlett began to cry as Judge Sandra Davis outlined the “nightmare” Mr Willman’s death had on his two children and broader family.
The court was told Bartlett was drinking with Mr Willman and a friend at a makeshift camp on his Stonehaven property on January 28 when he jumped in his ute planning to return to the house to collect pizza about 9.30pm.
The third man later recounted hearing Bartlett “joking about his inability to find reverse”, Judge Davis said.
He reversed over Mr Willman, killing him instantly before crashing into a fence post and ending up in a ditch 300m away.
Emergency services found Bartlett passed out on the ground next to his vehicle clutching his phone and keys.
Justice Davis said Bartlett was found to have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.262 and stated he had “no recollection” of the crash but was very distressed and remorseful.
He did have some memory of drinking “half a slab”, she said.
The court was told the two men had been friends for two decades, with Bartlett first pleading guilty to culpable driving causing death in September the same year.
Bartlett was found to be an alcoholic after his arrest and had not touched alcohol since.
The father of two was described as grief-stricken and forever haunted by the loss by friends and family who wrote letters to the court.
“This is a tragic case which shows how the lives of so many can be shattered in moments,” Judge Davis said.
Bartlett will be eligible for parole in May 2028 after serving four years of his sentence.
Outside court, Mr Willman’s sister, Yvonne Willman, said her family remained “in disbelief” of his death.
“We expect to hear from him every day and it’s still hard to believe he’s actually gone,” she said.
“Let’s hope this sets a precedent for those who want to drink and drive … because our lives are not the same and never will be ever again.”
Their sister, Veronica Willman, said Bartlett would have to live the rest of his life knowing he killed a mate.
“There’s no waking up from this nightmare. It’s just been so hard, not only are we grieving, but we’re mad at the same time,” she said.
“Our brother worked so hard to get his life on track and he had these plans and they’re just gone. To go and visit his grave … It’s just not fair.
“Shaun has got to pay for this the rest of his life and so he should. He was supposed to be a mate and mates do not do that … to leave him lying there on the ground, I’m sorry but that is just not acceptable.”
