Posted: 2024-10-15 01:04:52

The Melbourne driver charged over the death of Elise Hodder and the serious injury of another pedestrian has been granted bail.

Connor Mathiasson, 23, appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates court on five charges, including culpable driving causing death, negligently causing serious injury and unlicensed driving.

Police allege Mr Mathiasson attended a park party under the Monash Freeway before striking three pedestrians in a car park at Sir Zelman Cowen Park in Kooyong just after 1am on Sunday.

People gather at a park and stand around flowers placed on the lawn, with some people standing with arms around each other.

Floral tributes were left near the scene of the crash on Monday. (ABC News: Scott Jewell)

The court heard Ms Hodder died after she was trapped under the vehicle.

Another pedestrian remains at the Alfred Hospital in a serious but stable condition after suffering injuries to her legs and ankles.

Ms Hodder — an international model — has been remembered by those close to her as a "beautiful soul" who was "bubbly and curious."

The court heard Mr Mathiasson's licence had expired in July and he was carrying three passengers at the time of the crash.

Initial investigations by police revealed he had cannabis in his system and a blood alcohol level of 0.178.

Magistrate Donna Bakos granted Mr Mathiasson bail to his father's address, with a $100,000 guarantee.

A silver car with dinted side panels and a broken mirror in a carpark behind police tape at night.

Several pedestrians were struck by the vehicle at a park in Kooyong. (ABC News)

She told the court Mr Mathiasson's father had "impressed" her as an "honest" and "caring" father who was fully aware of the seriousness of his son's situation.

He worked from home and the court heard he would be able to supervise his son closely.

The court also heard that the 23-year-old had been "devastated" by his mother's suicide when he was 16 and had never received counselling to deal with his grief. He had since been using cannabis to self-medicate.

The matter will return to court in February.

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