'Nine pints' death driver jailed

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A motorist who thought he could drive after eight or nine pints as long as he wore a seatbelt has been jailed for causing the death of a friend.

David Curry, 35, took a car without permission and offered friends a lift to a party, despite having no licence.

Curry crashed on the outskirts of Aberdeen in September 2005 and Gregor Allan, 23, died of his injuries.

Curry, who admitted causing death by dangerous driving, was jailed for five years and seven months.

Mr Allan was trapped in the back seat of the wreckage after Curry crashed the car into trees at Westhill. He later died in hospital from his injuries.

No sentence I impose can ever reconcile a family to the loss occasioned by such events Lord Turnbull

Curry told police: "I thought as long as you were wearing a seatbelt you were alright to have eight or nine pints."

He later admitted it was "completely alcohol-induced stupidity".

Curry was still more than twice the legal drink drive limit five hours after the crash.

Driving ban

He also admitted driving without a licence or insurance, and taking a car without the owner's consent.

Lord Turnbull said at the High Court in Edinburgh: "You caused the death of your friend Gregor Allan in circumstances which displayed an appalling lack of responsibility and care for the safety of others."

The judge said he had to take into account "the grave distress which your criminal behaviour has caused to the family of Mr Allan".

He added: "I bear in mind, however, that no sentence I impose can ever reconcile a family to the loss occasioned by such events."

The judge also banned Curry from driving for five years.