‘Stupid’ crim who killed best mate in Doveton fatal crash pleads guilty to more driving charges
A man who killed his best mate in a horror smash in Doveton in 2006, which cost him six years behind bars, has failed to learn his lesson. A court heard he continues his “extraordinarily stupid behaviour”, committing more driving crimes.
South East
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A speeding motorist who killed his mate and seriously injured two passengers — one his own sister — in a horrific crash has again faced court on driving and drug charges.
Christophe Etienne, now 34, was the driver involved in a fatal tragedy that caused the death of his 17-year-old mate in Doveton in 2006.
Etienne had been speeding at more that 50km/h over the limit when his car slammed into a power pole, instantly killing his teenage mate and leaving the other two occupants badly hurt.
He had tried to outrun police after he was spotted doing 126km/h on the Monash Freeway in Endeavour Hills.
He exited the freeway at Heatherton Rd before losing control at the intersection of Power and Kidds roads in Doveton, ploughing into a pole at an estimated speed of 103km/h.
Police had terminated the pursuit when the crash happened.
In 2007 he was sentenced in the County Court to eight years’ and three months’ jail after pleading guilty to charges including culpable driving, negligently causing serious injury and car theft.
When he was jailed his supporters clashed with friends of his victim outside the court.
Since Etienne was released he has continued to reoffend, racking up a rap sheet 24 pages long.
And last year he spent yet more time behind bars, serving 150 days in custody for an array of driving-related charges.
Etienne faced Frankston Magistrates’ Court by video link on Monday after he was found driving a ute at a Langwarrin servo at 1.40am the same morning.
He had stolen plates on his vehicle, didn’t have P-plates displayed and had ice and cocaine in his wallet.
He had only got his driving licence back three days before.
He pleaded guilty to two drug possessions, two driving and one dealing with proceeds charges.
In court his lawyer said the unemployed mechanic had been given the cocaine for a birthday present and forgotten it was still in his wallet, and the ice was in his friend’s purse but he didn’t want her to get into trouble so said it was his.
She said he hadn’t been given a $1652 fine for breaching the Chief Health Officer’s directions, but didn’t know why.
Magistrate Vicky Prapas said it was a “particularly stupid move” to be driving around during a curfew with drugs in a car with stolen plates attached.
“You are making some really bad decisions,” Ms Prapas said.
“Just over a year ago you were sentenced to a period of imprisonment, and you have only just got your licence back.
“This is extraordinarily stupid behaviour.”
Etienne was released from custody and fined $2000.
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