Andrew Edward Solien, 27, initially lied to police and said his partner was driving after their car struck a motorcyclist at a Capalaba intersection in June 2021, killing the 40-year-old father of three “almost immediately”.

But an “ashamed” Solien took responsibility once he heard the man had died, later telling officers he drove with a disqualified licence to go fishing with his partner because she had been drinking beer.

Solien breached a community service order with the offence after a criminal history of “alcohol and violence”, the court heard.

He held his head in his hands while a victim impact statement from the 40-year-old’s fiancee was read out as she sat in the back of the court weeping.

“Andrew Solien will receive a sentence that fortunately for him will have a time limit and end but for us … we are in a lifelong sentence of pain, grief and trauma,” it said.

“Nothing will come close to justice for us as a family.

“You ended his life in a selfish and wicked way. You made our lives a living nightmare … with your selfish act.”

In another victim impact statement read via video link in New Zealand, the 40-year-old’s sister said grief over his death was further compounded by family members being unable to attend the funeral due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.

“You took him away from us. I will never forgive you for that,” she said.

Solien kept his head down during the video link but soon stood up to read a statement, delivering a teary apology to the victim’s family.

“I can’t imagine the pain you are going through,” he said before breaking down.

Defence lawyer Charlotte Smith said Solien was very remorseful, revealing her client’s father had also died from injuries suffered in a car accident late last year.

“It was important for him that he did correct the number of lies he told the police at the scene of the accident,” she said.

“He reacted very poorly. He is intensely ashamed that he did not immediately take responsibility.”

Before sentencing, Judge Paul Smith said he believed Solien’s apology to the victim’s family was sincere.

“Whether it is accepted, I am not sure,” he said.

“This has had a significant impact on this family. Whatever I do today won’t bring him back.”

Solien was sentenced to three years in prison for one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death.

He will be eligible for parole in May 2023.

Solien has been disqualified from driving for two years.