Brandon Raeburn sentenced over Horsham crash that killed Annie Anderson
A former farm worker and mechanic who got behind the wheel against medical advice has been sentenced for causing a fatal three-car crash in the state’s west.
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A Jung man who got behind the wheel against medical advice, had a seizure, and caused a fatal three-car collision in Horsham will remain behind bars for several years.
Brandon Raeburn, 31, appeared in County Court on Monday after previously pleading guilty to culpable driving causing death and conduct endangering persons.
The court heard on November 22, 2022, the former farm worker and mechanic picked up a friend after work about 11.30am.
He collected a package while on the way to St Andrews church in Horsham to vote in the state election.
He was travelling north on McPherson St when his passenger noticed the vehicle drifting onto the wrong side of the road.
She saw Raeburn’s body shaking and stiffening.
The passenger tried to correct the steering wheel, but Raeburn’s hand remained on it.
After weaving across the road, the car sped up into the southbound lane, sideswiping one vehicle and hitting another head-on.
The second collision killed 56-year-old Horsham hockey coach Annie Anderson.
Judge Blair Chambers said Raeburn had been to hospitals, neurologists, and medical clinics about his seizures for more than a year prior to the crash.
Raeburn was advised by several medical practitioners not to drive given his condition.
But he failed to notify VicRoads of that advice and did not take his seizure medication on the day of the collision.
The court heard Ms Anderson’s partner still struggled with life changes and a now-empty home.
Raeburn was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, with a three-year and three-month non-parole period and 363 days already served.
He was disqualified from obtaining a driver’s licence for three years.
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