SA:32-y-o P-plater jailed over SA death

AAP General News (Australia)
04-01-2011
SA:32-y-o P-plater jailed over SA death

ADELAIDE, April 1 AAP - A 32-year P-plate driver has been jailed for at least two years
for killing his brother-in-law in a road crash, south of Adelaide.

In the South Australian District Court on Friday, Damien Marson was told he would have
to live forever with the knowledge that his actions took the life of his wife's brother
and his friend.

Killed in the crash in June last year was Daniel McKiernan, while Marson's father-in-law
Stephen McKiernan suffered serious injuries, including six fractures to his left leg,
broken ribs and a fractured skull.

Marson had been drinking before getting behind the wheel and couldn't remember how
he lost control of the car, which smashed into some trees.

He later pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious harm
by dangerous driving.

Both his wife and her father asked that he not go to jail and Judge Rosemary Davey
said she accepted that he was deeply remorseful.

The judge said a suspended sentence was not possible, considering the seriousness of
the offending and Marson's criminal history.

But she said whatever penalty she imposed, it would not be as hard on Marson as him
living with the reality that he took someone's life.

"I have no doubt that your guilt and shame will be a great punishment for you," she said.

The judge imposed a jail sentence of four years and three months with a non-parole
period of two years.

She also banned Marson from driving for at least 10 years, ordering that he apply to
the court to have his licence returned after that time.

AAP tjd/psm/de

KEYWORD: MARSON

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