Vic: Drunk learner driver sentenced to youth detention

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-2009
Vic: Drunk learner driver sentenced to youth detention

MELBOURNE, Dec 18 AAP - A drug and alcohol affected Melbourne learner driver who nearly
killed a friend when he crashed a speeding car has been sentenced to youth detention.

Alexander Karkar, 20, lost control of friend Jochein Follink's BMW while driving at
an estimated 40km/h over the speed limit, crashing into a billboard on Dandenong Road
at Caulfield in May 2008.

The crash left Mr Follink with life-threatening injuries.

Karkar had a blood alcohol concentration of .089 and had consumed ecstasy prior to the crash.

On Friday, Victorian County Court judge Mark Gamble ordered Karkar, who pleaded guilty
to negligently causing serious injury, spend three years in a Youth Justice Centre.

Non-parole periods are not set for youth detention orders.

Karkar was also disqualified from driving for two years.

AAP df/md/goc/cdh

KEYWORD: KARKAR

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.