Connor Mathiasson pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Elise Hodder

The young man who fatally struck Elise Hodder with his car after a late-night rave in Kooyong has pleaded guilty to killing the young Melbourne model.

The brother of a young model run over by a car after a late-night rave in Melbourne’s east has broken down in court as the accused killer driver pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death.

Connor Mathiasson, 24, fronted the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday almost six months on from the deadly collision that claimed the life of Clifton Hill woman Elise Hodder.

Ms Hodder, 24, worked as a model and a lifeguard. Picture: Facebook

Police allege the Sunbury man was unlicensed, drunk and under the influence of cannabis when he jumped behind the wheel of his Holden Commodore as police arrived to break up the rave in Kooyong about 1.10am on October 13.

He is accused of hitting Ms Hodder, 24, as he accelerated out of the car park of the Malvern City Football Club, before her body was dragged under his car.

Mr Mathiasson is also accused of hitting another young woman before Ms Hodder was fatally struck.

It is understood the accused and Ms Hodder were both attendees at the party, but did not know each other.

Clifton Hill model Elise Hodder was killed hen she was struck by a car in Kooyong Picture: Facebook

His defence barrister Rishi Nathwani KC on Monday indicated his client would plead guilty to some of the offences against him, but would contest the more serious charges.

Mr Mathiasson, who was asked to stand by Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing serious injury, but pleaded not guilty to culpable driving causing death and negligently causing serious injury.

The serious injury charges were laid in relation to the other woman struck prior to Ms Hodder.

“Connor has always accepted responsibility for the incident,” Mr Nathwani said.

Culpable driving causing death carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ jail, while dangerous driving causing death carries 10 years’ jail.

The 24-year-old is also facing charges including unlicensed driving, drug driving and drink driving.

He allegedly recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.178 and tested positive for cannabis.

Connor Matthiasson (right) leaves the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. Picture: Ian Currie

Ms Hodder, a model and a lifeguard, had only days before her death celebrated her debut in a New York fashion magazine.

Her loved ones filled the courtroom on Monday, with one aunt flying all the way from Canada to observe the proceedings.

Dressed in blue, upwards of 20 people were there to support the Hodder family, while Mr Mathiasson was supported by only his father.

More than a dozen of the supporters were forced to stand by the door, with no seats available.

Ms Hodder’s brother, Max, was brought to tears and comforted by her second brother, James, as Mr Mathiasson entered his pleas.

“Thank you for coming to court today,” Ms Mykytowycz said to her family.

Ms Hodder’s parents, Pauline and Michael, and their supporters dressed in blue in memory of the young model. Picture: Supplied

Outside court, Ms Hodder’s parents Michael and Pauline said their daughter did not deserve to die in the circumstances she did.

“Our daughter was a Melbourne girl, so she dressed in black, whites and greys, but her beautiful blue eyes were … absolutely stunning,” her mother said.

“So in memory of her and her beautiful eyes, we are donning the blue today.”

Ms Hodder came from a large policing family, with her father a retired Victoria Police officer.

Ms Hodder was struck following a rave in Kooyong. Picture: Brendan Beckett

Mr Mathiasson’s bail, secured by a $100,000 surety, has been extended.

Covering his face with a jumper, he refused to answer any questions as he left court.

He will face the County Court for a directions hearing on April 14.

Originally published as Connor Mathiasson pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Elise Hodder