A MAN who crashed his car, killing his passenger, was jailed for at least three and a half years yesterday.
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Ewan Hamilton, 29, was driving at more than 200 kilometres an hour along the Henty Highway when he lost control of his black Holden station wagon.
He crashed into a wheat paddock four kilometres from Dooen about 9.50pm on December 21, 2011.
Hamilton and his passenger Sally Trethowan, 31, were taken to Wimmera Base Hospital, where Ms Trethowan died that night.
Hamilton, who lived in Horsham at the time of the incident, registered a blood alcohol reading of 0.091 per cent at the hospital.
He pleaded guilty in Horsham County Court on April 8 to culpable driving causing death after originally pleading not guilty.
He had also faced charges of having driven at a dangerous speed, having exceeded the speed limit by 45 kilometres an hour or more and two counts of drink-driving.
The court heard Hamilton had untreated post-traumatic stress at the time of the accident after his friend was strangled by a pet python.
Ms Trethowan’s family released a statement yesterday saying Hamilton’s sentence could not compare with the pain they had endured.
“We always knew regardless of today’s outcome that the sentence given would never be enough to compensate for the loss of our beautiful Sal and her life which was so tragically and unfairly taken,” the statement said.
“When will people take accountability for their actions? Sal was taken through a careless act of stupidity and the lack of empathy shown is disgusting.
“He deserves every minute of every day spent in jail, and still that will never come close to the life sentence we all have to endure.
“We will never see Sal ever again. There is no jail time that comes remotely close to measuring up to that.”
Judge Damian Murphy told Hamilton his behaviour had caused a ripple effect on a number of people, including Ms Trethowan’s friends and family.
“Your conduct on that night took a life, devastated a family and should be utterly condemned,” he said.
“A court cannot bring her back, but it must, and is, recognising her.
“This type of offence is one that calls for public denunciation.
“The sentence must send a signal to the community about speed and driving under the influence.”
Judge Murphy said Hamilton, who was the breadwinner for his wife and children, had a good chance of rehabilitation.
“You have a good work ethic, strong commitment to your family and strong family support,” he said.
“I accept that you are remorseful for your conduct.”
Judge Murphy also cancelled Hamilton’s driver’s licence for four years.