Killer driver Jake Frederick Stock apologises to family of Poppy Crozier after fatal Ki Ki crash

An “inexperienced driver” whose “gross and unjustifiable lapse of judgment” took the life of a beloved 19-year-old woman has apologised to the family of his young victim.

An “inexperienced driver” whose “gross and unjustifiable lapse of judgment” took the life of a beloved 19-year-old woman should be jailed immediately to teach other drivers a lesson, a court has heard.

As friends and family of Poppy Crozier, 19, filled a South Australian District Courtroom on Tuesday morning, her killer Jake Frederick Stock silently wiped away tears as her loved ones told him how his “reckless, dangerous” actions shattered their family.

Stock, now the same age as his victim, pleaded guilty to one count of causing death by dangerous driving after he overtook two semi-trailers on the Dukes Highway in Ki Ki in May last year, before colliding head on with Ms Crozier’s vehicle – pushing her into the path of one of the trucks.

Poppy Crozier, 19, is a former Wilderness boarder who tragically lost her life after being in a road crash at Ki Ki. Picture: Instagram

Stock pleaded guilty to causing her death by dangerous driving. Picture: NCA NewsWire

The court on Tuesday heard Stock had been driving towards Adelaide on a dark, rainy night when he overtook the two trucks, despite a double white line and a sign prohibiting overtaking unless both oncoming lanes were clear.

Fighting back tears, Ms Crozier’s devastated parents told Judge Jane Schammer they had everything they needed in life with their two daughters, until one was recklessly taken away.

“Our Poppy was dearly loved and our family dynamic was shaped by her presence,” her mother told the court.

“May 26, 2023 changed us and our world forever. We’ve been forced to live through experiences no one else should have to endure.

“We know the grief will remain with us for the rest of our lives. We’ll never see the incredible potential she was yet to fulfil.

“We do not want her remembered as a 19-year-old who died in a horror crash in Ki Ki – she was so much more than this. We want her remembered as a much loved daughter, sister, niece, grandchild, girlfriend, and friend. We want her remembered as a fiercely loyal friend, with a deep, loving connection to rural life. We want her remembered for her infectious laughter, wicked smile and piercing brown eyes.”

Mr and Mrs Crozier said their lives were changed forever. NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

Jake Frederick Stock outside the Adelaide District Court after the hearing. NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

Her heartbroken partner told the court he’d never get to see his “soulmate’s” beautiful face again, as other friends said they struggled to drive past the accident site so close to their home town.

Wiping away occasional tears, Stock was silent as prosecutors tendered 17 victim impact statements – nine of which were read to the court.

In an apology letter read by his lawyer James Marcus, Stock told Poppy’s family he was “so sorry” for his actions.

“I never thought I would have to be someone that would have to write a letter like this,” he said.

“It has affected me so severely in ways I couldn’t describe. I am so sorry for my actions that have affected your lives and changed things for the worse. I know I have caused pain for you and everybody around you and I realise there is nothing I can do or say to take back what I did.

“I do want everyone to know that I haven’t taken this matter lightly. I realise my mistake, and I regret it more than anything.”

Isabelle Kimber, prosecuting, asked Judge Schammer to impose an immediate jail sentence in a bid to deter others from driving dangerously on SA roads.

“In matters like this, general deterrence is particularly important due to the unfortunate prevalence of offending like this and the catastrophic consequences that follow,” Ms Kimber said.

“The offending is just too serious for any sentence of imprisonment to be suspended.”

Stock will return to court later this month for sentencing.

Originally published as Killer driver Jake Frederick Stock apologises to family of Poppy Crozier after fatal Ki Ki crash