HE killed his best friend by drink driving, and today Scott Alksne walked from court with a suspended sentence due to his remorse and good character.

In February, Alksne was driving Nick McKenzie home from a buck's party when their car drifted off an unsealed road at Tooperang, 70km south east of Adelaide.

The car rolled when Alksne overcorrected and Mr McKenzie suffered serious injuries and subsequently died in hospital.

Alksne, 27, had a blood alcohol reading at the time of the crash of not less than 0.11.

Today, District Court Judge Julie McIntyre said Alksne had not been driving erratically or at an excessive speed.

"This is a tragic illustration of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol," she said.

"This is unfortunately all too common a scenario where people think they're okay to drive when really they're not."



Judge McIntyre said Alksne was in no state to respond to changes in road conditions and his decision to drive was "incredibly dangerous".

Following the crash Alksne remained at the scene and called the police, an ambulance and Mr McKenzie's family.

"You accepted full responsibility for your actions," Judge McIntyre said.

"I have no doubt of the genuineness and depth of your remorse."

She said no punishment handed down by the court could compare with the burden Alksne would carry for the rest of his life.

Judge McIntyre said no one could be unmoved by the expressions of grief from Mr McKenzie's family described in their victim impact statements.

"Each of their statements is remarkable for the generosity of spirit and compassion they display towards you.

"It's obvious from what they say that you have done everything you can to help them with their loss."

Judge McIntyre sentenced Alksne to three years in jail with a non parole period of 18 months.

She said there was good reason to suspend the sentence considering his age, support network, good character, work ethic and remorse.

She placed Alksne on a three year good behaviour bond and disqualified him from driving for 10 years.

Originally published as Grieving killer driver avoids jail