Loved ones of woman killed by best friend in car crash left with ‘deep-seated pain and paranoia’

A woman who killed her best friend in a car accident has wept in court as she heard the devastating impact of her actions on her victim’s loved ones.

The partner of a woman killed in a car crash caused by the victim’s best friend says she has been left with a “deep-seated fear and paranoia of losing loved ones”.

On September 24, 2021, Taylah Modrich’s girlfriend Janelle Noonan-Long was killed when her best friend Jessica Glennie lost control of her car and crashed into a concrete pole on Plumpton Rd in Diggers Rest, about 40km northwest of Melbourne.

Taylah Modrich’s (left) partner Janelle Noonan-Long (right) was killed in a car crash on September 24, 2021.

Ms Noonan-Long (pictured) was killed when her best friend lost control of her car and crashed into a pole.

Glennie was captured on CCTV footage drinking a shot of alcohol 45 minutes prior to the incident and blood samples found she was driving with cannabis in her system while on a suspended probationary licence.

Glennie, 24, appeared before the Victorian County Court on Friday and wiped away her tears as Judge Peter Lauristen handed her a 2½ year community corrections order and recounted the “immense effect” Ms Noonan-Long’s death had had on her loved ones.

In a victim impact statement, Ms Modrich said due to the extent of Ms Noonan-Long’s injuries sustained in the crash, an open viewing could not take place, which ultimately “deprived her of a sense of closure”.

The court was told the “pain, grief and stress” of losing her partner had taken a significant toll on Ms Modrich’s wellbeing and caused her to lose all “confidence in vehicle safety”.

Glennie was handed a 2½ year community corrections order. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

In a victim impact statement, Ms Noonan-Long’s father, Adam Scott Long, said his daughter’s death left him unable to work for three months and he suffered from “bad anxiety”.

Mr Long said he struggled to go outside following the incident.

Glennie also sustained serious injuries in the crash, resulting in her needing a spinal fusion in three separate places. She is in significant pain for the “foreseeable future” and lives with a brain injury.

“Your injuries have left you significantly disabled and facing a lifetime of extensive pain,” Judge Lauristen said.

In June 2023, the young mother pleaded guilty to one charge of dangerous driving causing death.

Judge Lauristen said Glennie’s decision to get behind the wheel was “highly irresponsible” but noted her clear remorse for causing her best friend’s death.

Glennie left Victoria’s County Court surrounded by her supporters. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

“I accept you are compoundly remorseful for what happened,” Judge Lauristen said.

“Your counsel has pointed out your injuries as a form of punishment and so they are.”

Under the community corrections order, Glennie will be disqualified from obtaining a licence for 2½ year years and will be required to undertake treatment for her drug and alcohol abuse and mental health.

Glennie was also disqualified from driving for an additional six months and fined $400 for the summary charge of driving with drugs in her system.

She hugged her loved ones as she left the court.

Originally published as Loved ones of woman killed by best friend in car crash left with ‘deep-seated pain and paranoia’