Shaun got blind drunk with his best mate. Hours later, he woke up in a ditch to find he’d run him over and killed him. Now he’s learned his fate
A Victorian father has been sentenced to prison after he killed a close friend while so drunk he had no memory of the crash, a court has heard.
Shaun Bartlett, 43, appeared in court again on Friday and was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for causing the death of Justin Willman, 52, in January last year.
Bartlett began to cry as Judge Sandra Davis described the “nightmare” Mr Willman’s death had meant for his two children and the rest of his family.
The court was told that on January 28, Bartlett was drinking with Mr Willman and a friend at a makeshift camp on his Stonehaven property when he jumped into his pick-up truck and planned to return to the house at around 9.30pm to pick up pizza.
The third man later said he heard Bartlett “joking about his inability to find his backup camera,” Judge Davis said.
He reversed over Mr. Willman, killing him instantly, then crashed into a fence post and ended up in a ditch 300 yards away.
Emergency services found Bartlett unconscious on the ground next to his car, holding his phone and keys.
Judge Davis said Bartlett had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.262 and said he could remember “nothing” about the accident but was very upset and remorseful.
Justin Willman, 52, (pictured) was struck and killed last year by his friend, Shaun Bartlett, 43
Shaun Bartlett, 43, (pictured right) appeared in court again on Friday and was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison for causing the death of Justin Willman, 52, in January last year.
Mr Willman’s sister said Bartlett would have to live the rest of his life knowing he had killed a partner
He could remember taking “half a sip,” she said.
The court was told the two men had been friends for 20 years. Bartlett first pleaded guilty to drink-driving causing death in September of that year.
After his arrest, Bartlett was found to be an alcoholic and has not touched alcohol since.
The father of two was described as heartbroken and forever haunted by the loss by friends and family, who wrote letters to the court.
“This is a tragic case that shows how so many people’s lives can be destroyed in an instant,” Judge Davis said.
Bartlett will be eligible for parole in May 2028 after serving four years of his sentence.
Outside court, Willman’s sister Yvonne Willman said her family still “couldn’t believe” he had died.
“We expect to hear from him every day, but it’s still hard to believe he’s really gone,” she said.
“Let’s hope this sets a precedent for those who want to drink and drive… because our lives are not the same anymore and will never be the same.”
Bartlett was found unconscious next to his company vehicle
Outside court, Mr Willman’s sister said her family was still in “disbelief” over his death
According to her sister, Veronica Willman, Bartlett would have to live the rest of his life with the knowledge that he had murdered a partner.
“There is no waking up from this nightmare. It’s just so hard, we’re not only grieving but we’re also angry at the same time,” she said.
‘Our brother worked so hard to get his life together and he had these plans and they just disappeared. To visit his grave… It’s just not fair.
‘Shaun has to pay for this for the rest of his life and he should. He should be a buddy and buddies don’t do that… to leave him lying there on the floor, I’m sorry but that’s just not acceptable.’