Causing the death of Alshe Caisey by reckless driving put a 25-year-old man behind bars for 15 months.

Yesterday in Supreme Court, Puisne Judge Charles-Etta Simmons sentenced Checarlo Douglas, of Cove Valley Lane, St. David?s, to 15 months imprisonment followed by one year probation.

During the emotional sentencing, members of both the Caisey and Douglas families were often seen in tears. Douglas apologised to the victim?s family saying that he loved Alshe and still felt like ?walking death?.

But Mrs. Justice Simmons told Douglas he had a ?deplorable record for speeding with nine convictions?.

?The only thing that would have stopped you was death,? she said. She told Douglas he caused the death of a woman ?just beginning to blossom?.

Douglas must undergo drug testing and counselling and, while on probation, will observe a curfew from 9 p.m. until 6.30 a.m.

Crown counsel Anthony Blackman said in his summary of evidence, that Douglas had been travelling on a motorcycle on North Shore Road at speeds of 65 to 70 kilometres with Ms Caisey on the back.

Mr. Blackman said that Neil Lightbourne was driving along North Shore Road in a car and was startled by a speeding motorcycle overtaking him with a male driving and a female tightly holding on.

Mr. Blackman said the defendant lost control of the cycle near Magnolia Hall on North Shore Road and smashed into a wooden pole. The force of the collision threw both he and Ms Caisey from the cycle into the bushes.

Mr. Lightbourne passed the accident moments later, said Mr. Blackman.

The court heard that Douglas received a fractured leg from the accident.

Ms Caisey was unconscious after the accident and rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. Attempts were made to revive her but she was pronounced dead at 2.22 a.m. Ms Caisey was 20 years old when she died on August 17, 2003.

The autopsy revealed that she died from severe right skull fractures.

The court heard that Douglas had nine speeding convictions from 1995- 2002, as well as a disqualification and a driving without due care conviction.

Mr. Blackman said the maximum penalty for Douglas? crime is five years imprisonment. He asked the court to impose a prison term of between 18 months and four years, including disqualification from all vehicles for three years.

Defence lawyer Elizabeth Christopher said: ?These were two fine young people who were best friends.?

She said that her client?s remorse is ?absolute and genuine? and pointed out that he pleaded guilty to the offence at his earliest opportunity.

The court heard that Douglas is on medication to deal with depression and has trouble sleeping at night.

Ms Christopher asked the court to consider her client?s behaviour at the scene.

?He said ?don?t worry about me take care of Alshe?,? she said.

Ms Christopher asked the court to impose a sentence of nine to 12 months.

Douglas, who asked to address Ms Caisey?s family, seated in the gallery, said: ?To the Caisey family, I am sorry ? I never meant to do this.?

He said he felt like ?walking death?.

?They say time heals your wounds but it has been a year and this is still hurting.

?I loved her so much ? I just can?t cope with it,? he said.

Douglas added: ?I?d like to ask the family to accept my apology ? I hurt for them and pray for them every night.

?I hope that their wounds will heal.?