Marc Jessop jailed for manslaughter of Harri Jokinen on Monaro Highway
A south coast man has been jailed for the senseless killing of a beloved father during a dangerous police pursuit on the Monaro Hwy, reaching speeds of more than 180km/h.
Canberra Star
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A Moruya man has been jailed for 10 years after killing a beloved father during a reckless pursuit with police on the Monaro Hwy.
Marc Anthony Jessop will serve at least seven years in custody after the senseless death of Harri Jokinen during a wild police chase south of Canberra.
Mr Jokinen’s life was tragically cut short on December 30, 2021 by Jessop after he collided head on with his vehicle at 188km/h.
His disregard for the life of 56-year-old victim and other road users was shown in Queanbeyan District Court this week after he previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter, driving disqualified, drive conveyance without consent and two counts of break and enter.
In the agreed statement of facts, Jessop broke into a service station and bakery at Nimmitabel and Michelago with unknown offenders on December 29 2021 and would be involved in a short pursuit in the early hours of December 30 2021 before escaping.
Mr Jessop would come into the crosshairs of police at 10.28am the same day after driving a stolen Holden Commodore past officers south of Bredbo.
Dashcam footage from highway patrol was showed to the court of the pursuit where Jessop reached speeds of more than 180km/h in a 100km/h zone.
Police were seen in the video trying to reach the 49-year-old however, this pursuit was abandoned.
The court was shown a second pursuit in Williamsdale on the Monaro Hwy about 10.49am where the Moruya man reached 188km/h an hour before he tried to overtake a vehicle on double lines.
For 30 seconds, the court watched in horror as dashcam footage showed Jessop sideswipe two vehicles travelling north and south before he collided head on with Mr Jokinen’s car.
The facts state Mr Jokinen was trapped in his car and, despite the best efforts by emergency services, died at the scene.
Blood tests taken from Mr Jessop showed he had alcohol and drugs in his system. Checks on his licence revealed he was disqualified from driving until 2025.
Victim impact statements were read by Mr Jokinen’s daughter Lisa, her partner Rhys Hardy and Mr Jokinen’s partner Libby Adamson which retold the trauma they all suffered due to Jessop.
Ms Jokinen said she’s suffered an unimaginable emotional toll from the senseless killing of her dad.
She remembered her father as an “incredible person” who had an enthusiasm for life as an intelligent creative, giving his time to his family and to others.
“I feel trapped and defeated … the loss sometimes is unbearable,” Ms Jokinen said. “Some pieces of me are lost forever … I know I will never be the same.”
Mr Hardy said he knew Mr Jokinen as a “kind, compassionate” person and spoke of the trauma his partner relives on repeat everyday after her dad’s death.
Ms Adamson spoke of losing her “soulmate” which led to grief being part of her life ever since.
Jessop gave evidence via videolink from prison, where he spoke of abuse and trauma he suffered in his life which precipitated his drug and alcohol addiction.
He spoke directly Mr Jokinen’s family and apologised for his actions and showed remorse, and said if he could trade places with the man he killed, he would.
Jessop told the court he owed drug dealers in Canberra at the time led to him committing break and enters and had barely any sleep while using drugs and alcohol 24 hours before the incident.
Crown prosecutor Nerissa Keay told Jessop he had been sentenced for drink driving and police pursuits on a number of occasions throughout his criminal history.
Ms Keay asked why he did not stop for police during both chases, to which he said he was “scared” of them and tried to get away from them.
Defence barrister Claire O’Neale said Jessop suffers from psychological trauma due to the crash along with a troubled life hindered by personal traumas and completed rehabilitation courses while in custody.
Judge Craig Smith sentenced Jessop to 10 years and eight months jail with a non-parole period of seven years.
He will be eligible for parole on May 31, 2029.
The Moruya man was also disqualified from driving for five years with convictions recorded.
Mr Jokinen’s family provided a statement to media which plainly said there could be no good outcome after what happened to the beloved 56-year-old.
“Nothing will bring Harri back to us,” the statement read. “We are relieved to have this day behind us. We now look forward to the coronial inquest, and hope there will be significant recommendations made to contribute towards safer NSW police pursuit policies.”
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