Drink-driver admits fatal crash

Sentence on Armstrong was deferred at the High Court in Glasgow

A drink-driver has admitted causing the death of his friend by dangerous driving after a road crash in Ayrshire.

Daniel Armstrong, 35, from West Kilbride, was twice the legal alcohol limit when he lost control of his car on the A78 in September 2008.

The crash claimed the life of 23-year-old passenger Darren Byers and injured his younger brother, Craig.

At the High Court in Glasgow judge Lord Malcolm remanded Armstrong in custody and deferred sentence until next month.

He also disqualified him from driving.

The court heard how all three had been drinking at a party in Saltcoats, Ayrshire, on 5 September.

The following morning, Armstrong drove them towards his house on the A78 Ardrossan to Seamill road.

Serious injuries

He lost control of his car at a bend, struck the kerb, hit an oncoming vehicle and crashed into a nearby wall.

Craig Byers, 18, was rushed to hospital with serious injuries while unsuccessful attempts were made to resuscitate his elder brother.

A post-mortem examination later found that Darren Byers died due to a fractured skull and brain damage.

His partner gave birth to their daughter, Olivia, two weeks after his death.