A driver whose passenger died after the car they were travelling in hit a tree at high speed has been jailed.

Bryan Daniel had previously been found guilty of causing the death of Nikko Robinson-Woodley by dangerous driving after a trial.

Yesterday, Acting Justice Charlene Scott imposed a six-month prison sentence.

Holding back tears, Daniel told the Supreme Court: “I want to say sorry to Nikko’s family, especially his mother.

“I hold myself completely responsible even though I cannot remember what happened.

“I hope that they can find it in their hearts to forgive me. I am ready to receive whatever punishment you see fit.”

During the trial, the court heard that Mr Robinson-Woodley was in the passenger seat of Daniel’s car in the early hours of January 4, 2014.

As Daniel was driving west along Harrington Sound Road, the vehicle left the street and collided with a casuarina tree near the junction with Paynters Road.

The court heard Mr Robinson-Woodley suffered extensive injuries to his head and face in the crash, but was able to free himself from the vehicle.

He was taken by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital but had a seizure before reaching the hospital. He was given CPR but died shortly after 2am.

A post mortem found he died as a result of asphyxiation linked to his severe head injuries, which the court heard were consistent with blunt force trauma.

Daniel also suffered severe injuries in the crash, including multiple broken bones. He was trapped in the vehicle when emergency personnel arrived and had to be cut free. He remained in hospital for more than three months.

Daniel was wearing a seatbelt before the collision but the court heard expert evidence that suggested Mr Robinson-Woodley was not.

Prosecutors alleged speed was a contributing factor in the fatal crash, arguing that the damage to the car indicated that it was travelling very quickly.

They also pointed to police experts, who testified that the lack of marks on the road suggested the vehicle was in the air before the crash took place.

During yesterday’s sentencing hearing, the court heard a victim impact statement written by Mr Robinson-Woodley’s mother, Kathy Woodley.

She said: “Losing my son has caused nothing but pain, suffering, heartache, grief and sadness.

“The trauma of that morning lingers with me and most nights I cannot sleep.

“My son was a strong, healthy, happy and loving person. He was a gentle giant who loved by family and friends.

“I knew he would be successful. He would have been a good husband and great father because family meant the world to him. I feel I have been stripped of watching him grow up.

“I must say I am very angry at how fast Bryan decided to drive that night. It was dangerous, careless and took away a good friend of his.

“I want Bryan’s family to know they are blessed to still have him in their life and hope the best for him for the future.

“I would appreciate it if Bryan was to accept responsibility for his actions as it would be a good start to the healing process.”

Daniel, a mechanic by trade, had installed a new engine in the vehicle, increasing its power and top speed. He told the court he had no recollection of the crash.

His lawyer, Saul Froomkin, QC, yesterday argued that his client’s medical condition required constant monitoring and supervision that could not be adequately provided in the prison service.

He urged that the sentence be suspended, saying: “It is clear that his medical condition is such he requires constant care — anyone who thinks that is going to be done by the prison is living in another world.”

However, Acting Justice Scott imposed an immediate prison sentence, as well as a five-year driving ban.

She said: “I accept your remorse but a life cannot be replaced.

“We have to deter other people from committing such offences.”

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