A MOTORIST who was twice the drink-drive limit took minor roads through a forest to avoid being stopped by police - and caused a crash which killed his best friend.

Recruitment consultant James Maltman, 27, who had a previous drink-drive conviction, lost control on a bend and smashed his BMW car into a wall.

His friend David Elmes, 26, died instantly in the accident.

Yesterday Maltman, of Amoy Street, Bedford Place, Southampton, was jailed for two-and-a-half years at Winchester Crown Court.

He admitted causing the death by careless driving of Mr Elmes, of Eldon Road, Bournemouth, while over the drink-drive limit.

The court heard Maltman told police after the crash: "I didn't think going down the motorway was a good idea for some reason.

"I just thought we would be better off taking the back roads. I was aware I had been drinking and there was less chance of getting pulled up."

Tim Moores, prosecuting, told the court the accident happened as they were on their way back from the Wimborne Jazz festival at 3.30am on June 11.

Mr Elmes died when his head hit a buttress protruding from a wall the car collided with on the A337 at Seckley, near Brocken-hurst, in the New Forest.

Mr Moores said Mr Elmes's parents had written to the court saying they had forgiven Mr Maltman and asking for leniency.

Sentencing Maltman, Judge Michael Brodrick said: "You must be racked by guilt as to what happened. As is often the case you are saying: "Why was it him and not me?"

"Your attitude has made a very considerable impression on David's parents who find it in their hearts to forgive you and have pleaded for leniency.

"At the same time there has to be punishment in cases like these to mark society's horror and abhorrence at the loss of life."

The judge also ordered that Maltman be banned from driving for three years - reducing it to 27 months if he takes an alcohol driver-training course.

Tests showed he had 73 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood - just over twice the legal drink-drive limit of 35 mgs per 100 mls.

Christopher Parker said in mitigation: "This is not a case of a reckless boy-racer out for high jinks, driving for fun and causing a nuisance or danger just for thrills.

"This is a case of grave misfortune through grave misjudgement."