Family of brothers Mojtaba and Mohammad Jawad Mohammadi killed in crash deliver harrowing victim impact statements

Harrowing victim impact statements describing the despair and anguish of a family who lost two brothers at the hands of a driver on meth have been read in court.

Najibeh Mohammadi was expecting her sons to return home for dinner, instead she was given “the worst and most unimaginable news” that an “irresponsible and selfish” driver under the influence of meth had killed them both.

Her heartache was palpable in the District Court on Thursday, as she sobbed loudly while a family friend read her victim impact statement aloud in a sentencing hearing for Michelle Kendy Bubner, 51, from Hallett Cove.

Brothers Mojtaba Mohammadi, 31, and Mohammad Jawad Mohammadi, 28, were killed instantly when Bubner, who was “significantly affected by methamphetamine” veered across the white line on Victor Harbor Rd at Mt Jagged and head-on into their Toyota van in May 2020.

In her victim impact statement Mrs Mohammadi, who was hospitalised due to her overwhelming grief in the wake of the crash, described having to cling to the memories of her kind, empathetic, caring, hardworking, selfless and loving sons, who had been helping her in her garden on the day they were killed.

“That day I couldn’t stop looking at them and feeling pride and happiness,” she said.

She said her sons had smiled at her as they left and told her they would return by dinner time.

“But they left and did not come back,” she said.

Motjaba Mohammadi (left) and Mohammad Jawad Mohammadi (right). The brothers were killed in a crash at Mt Jagged. Picture: Supplied by family

The next day she received “the worst and most unimaginable news” that both of her sons had been killed.

“I wish I could have protected them,” she said.

“I hold onto the memories of my sons, I grab their clothes and smell them for hours. I spray their perfumes in my room all the time. It makes me feel as if they are still with me.”

Mrs Mohammadi described how she no longer felt like a complete person, instead feeling despair, constant sadness and misery.

“The day I lost my two beautiful sons Mojtaba and Mohammad a significant part of my soul was gone with them,” she said.

“I came to Australia for a safe haven for my children … never did I imagine that one day I could lose both of my sons in such a tragedy.

“No parent should ever have to go through such pain, especially at the hands of somebody else. This woman has caused significant pain to our family, just because she was irresponsible and selfish.”

The family of the two brothers arrive at the Adelaide District Court on Thursday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

The victim impact statements of two sisters, and Mojtaba Mohammadi’s wife were also read to the court.

Each described their overwhelming loss, heartache, grief and significant pressure the loss of the men had placed on their family, especially Mojtaba’s five-year-old son who “loved his father beyond words” and constantly asked after him.

One of the sisters, Zeinab Mohammadi, described how her brothers were the backbone of the family.

“I don’t want the reality that my brothers are not here,” she said.

James Slocombe, prosecuting, said Bubner was intoxicated with methamphetamine when she veered across a solid white line and, without braking.

William Marsh, for Bubner, said his client had no memory of the crash and was “distracted or fatigued” due to her methamphetamine use at the time.

Michelle Bubner leaving Adelaide Magistrates Court in May. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dean Martin

He sad she had a “tragic history” including being the victim of an armed holdup while working as a store manager in 2003, which left her with post traumatic stress disorder.

He said it was that disorder, which was compounded by the suicide of her brother and her marriage break-up, that later led to her use of methamphetamine. But, he said mother of two sons, aged 24 and 20, was not an addict.

He said Bubner, who suffered complex fractures in the crash, had written a letter of apology which the family had received but did not want read aloud in court.

“She wishes she could swap places with them,” he said.

Bubner previously pleaded guilty to two aggravated counts of causing death by dangerous driving over the crash.

Judge Simon Stretton said there would be a significant need for general deterrence when he sentences Bubner on Friday. He revoked her bail and remanded her in custody.

“This drug causes carnage throughout our community in a myriad of ways and this is one example of the myriad ways that this drug contributes to the severe negative effect that the drug trade has on the South Australian community,” he said.