Ermington: Jason Holder to be sentenced for killing Jessica Brown

A drunk driver who killed his friend when he sped through a red light will struggle in jail because he couldn’t hug his parents, a court has heard.

Jason Holder faced court for sentencing today. Picture: Gordon McComiskie

A man who killed his passenger and friend Jessica Brown at Ermington when he sped through a red light while drunk would struggle behind bars and had already been convicted of drink driving, a court has heard.

Jason Holder, 25, sobbed at Parramatta District Court on Friday when he was due to be sentenced for killing his friend Jessica, 25, during a three-car collision Victoria Rd near the River Rd intersection on September 27 last year.

Another friend was a passenger and survived the crash.

Jessica Brown was killed in a three-car crash.

Jason Holder after he killed his friend Jessica. Picture: Gordon McComiskie

Holder pleaded guilty to aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving (occasioning death) and two counts of causing bodily harm by misconduct.

The court heard he had been convicted of low-range drink driving when he was an L-plater and had what his barrister conceded was an “unhealthy relationship” with alcohol.

Emergency service workers at the scene of the fatality last September. Picture: Gordon McComiskie

During victim impact statements read by Miss Brown’s uncle on behalf of her father Paul, he revealed his heartbreak at never being able to be a grandfather now his only child had died.

He shared fond memories such as going to the Sydney Olympics with the former Merrylands High School student and how Miss Brown called him every day because she was worried he would suffer another heart attack.

“She always looked after me,’’ he said.

“Since she passed away I wake up in the morning expecting to get a call from her.

“When Jessica was around we’d always look out for one another and I always thought she’d be around for me and look after me when I got old.’’

Jessica Brown.

Jason Holder outside Parramatta District Court before his sentence hearing.

Instead, he was burying her days after her birthday and said he only leaves the house to visit her grave.

Miss Brown’s mother, Toni Foster, told the court her daughter worked at the Australian Taxation Office and as a receptionist at a southwest Sydney medical centre and came first in her dental assistant course.

“Jessica was a very unique, loving person,’’ she said.

“I had a future planned for her and I would have loved a grandchild from her. I would like to let the court know how deeply she is missed and everyone talks about her all the time.’’

During the defence’s submissions, barrister Riyad El-Choufani told the court Holder had only recently been diagnosed with PTSD and major depression which could not be treated if he was sentenced to full time custody.

Jason Holder will return to court next week. Picture: Gordon McComiskie

“I don’t think it’s contentious to say he needs help. It seems to be an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.’’

But when Judge Stephen Hanley asked what Holder was doing to address the problem, Mr El-Choufani approached him in the dock and later said “I have to say, not a great deal”.

Mr El-Choufani also told the court prison social distancing and COVID-19 restrictions would be tough for the accused.

“Mr Holder would be unable to give his mother or father a hug,’’ he said.

The comments prompted Miss Brown’s family to scoff.

The horrific three-car crash on Victoria Rd. Picture: Gordon McComiskie

Mr El-Choufani said Holder had a limited criminal history despite being convicted of drink driving when he was an L-plater.

Judge Stephen Hanley said: “I don’t care if it’s low range or not, he’s prepared to drive and he knew he shouldn’t be and he’s taking alcohol.’’

Crown prosecutor Michael Clark said despite the time of the fatality, more lives could have been at risk because Victoria Rd was a busy road.

The matter was adjourned for judgment on Tuesday and Holder’s bail was continued.

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