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About 75 metres from the traffic lights at 68th St. and 26th Ave. N.E., Woor hit the brakes, veered to the left and struck a light pole on the passenger’s side in what Dinkel called “such a violent manner to cause the death of the accused’s best friend.”

Three female passengers in the back suffered injuries, but none life-threatening, and charges related to those victims were withdrawn on the plea bargain.

Woor gave a heartfelt apology in court before he was sentenced, talking mostly about the devastating loss of his best buddy as a result of his actions.

“I made a decision to get behind the wheel when I was intoxicated,” Woor told the victim’s mother Amalta Ten before being sentenced. “Because of this decision we lost him. Since the accident, I’ve done nothing but beat myself up over it. Every single day, I think about the consequences of my actions.

“He was a good son, brother, uncle and friend. We were best friends and from the day I met him, we were together. He had such a big impact on my life. I’m 100 per cent responsible for this and I’m willing to accept the consequences. I can’t express how sorry I am for your loss. I’m always thinking of your family and I hope one day you can forgive me.”

The victim’s mother tearfully said in her victim impact statement that she is so incredibly sad at the loss of Zein that she becomes sick thinking about wanting him to come back.

“(Woor) came to my door and asked for forgiveness,” she said. “I told him I can forgive him, but I’ll never forget because my son will never come back. I ask Jesus to help you. This pain will never go away.”

Dinkel said it was not the same as a case where a driver killed a complete stranger.

“He killed his best friend and that as its own punishment with it,” said Dinkel. “We all have our best friends. I couldn’t imagine killing my best friend and how it would tear me apart. I don’t know if I could even face his parents. It would be such an enormous burden. That’s what Mr. Woor has to deal with.”

dslade@calgaryherald.com

Twitter.com/heraldcourt