A drunk driver who sank 16 schooners of beer before hitting and killing a man with his van has failed to address his alcohol problems, a Sydney court has been told.

Michael Meakin, 50, has pleaded guilty to aggravated dangerous driving occasioning the death of Nicholas McEvoy, 30, and faces up to 14 years in jail when sentenced on November 8.

Michael Meakin (left) is taken from the NSW Supreme Court in Sydney on Friday. Credit:AAP

During a sentencing hearing in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday, crown prosecutor John Bowers said Meakin had not addressed his problems with alcohol in a significant way.

He had been convicted of drink driving on three occasions – two of which were for mid-range offences – in 2000, 2003 and 2009.