A drink driver has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to two charges relating to a fatal crash at Red Cliffs in north-west Victoria four years ago.
Peter Lee Wright, 43, of Colignan was driving a car along Indi Avenue on May 27, 2019, when he lost control and crashed into a power pole.
One of his passengers, Jordan Radman, 21, of Red Cliffs was killed and a 38-year-old man was seriously injured.
The Mildura County Court heard Wright was driving 20 kilometres per hour over the 60kph speed limit and had a blood-alcohol level of 0.168 at the time of the crash — more than three times the legal limit.
On Tuesday he pleaded guilty to culpable driving causing death and negligent driving causing serious injury, after lengthy psychological assessments over his ability to enter a plea following his traumatic brain injury from the collision.
Victim's sister says she lost 'best friend'
In sentencing Judge Simon Moglia said Wright's culpability was high because he was an experienced driver who was speeding in a familiar location, and the amount of alcohol in his system meant he was unable to maintain proper control of his vehicle.
Judge Moglia summarised a victim impact statement from Mr Radman's mother who described him as "a gentle, generous, kind young man who used to light up the room".
The court heard Mr Radman's father Carlo "wished no other parent had to live through this pain" and his sister described him as "her best friend".
She said she felt isolated and empty, and missed planning camping trips with him.
Judge Moglia accepted that Wright pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity which led to a reduction of sentence, and that his permanent brain injury from the collision will be punishment on top of his imprisonment.
"You are remorseful and prospects for avoiding future trouble are good," the judge said.
He also acknowledged that prison would be "onerous" for Wright because his mental and cognitive impairments were likely to lead to frustrations and anger in those around him, making him vulnerable to threats and assault from other inmates.
Wright will serve a non-parole period of three years and 11 months.
