Deferred prison for teen drunk

Maia Thorby. Photo / Supplied

A teenager who drove drunk and stoned and slammed into a lamp post killing his mate has been sent to prison - but won't be locked up until April.

Maia Thorby, 18, was four times over the limit and speeding in a car with no warrant or registration when he crashed in Ohakune early one morning last September 23.

Ezra Fluerty, 19, died at the scene and two other teenagers in the car were seriously injured. Thorby, on his learner licence, received minor injuries.

The Waiouru teen pleaded guilty to manslaughter, drink-driving and possession of cannabis in November and was sentenced in the High Court at Wanganui last Friday.

anna.leask@hos.co.nz