A DRINK DRIVER’S decision to get behind the wheel was “catastrophic”, the judge said.

Judge Christine Laing QC said that while the word “tragedy” can be overused, this was a case where it “truly applies”.

“If not properly controlled, every car becomes a weapon,” she said.

Robyn Smith had the opportunity to accept a lift home, and was challenged by Nicholas Moynihan about her fitness to drive, but decided to carry on anyway.

The judge said: “You told them you would get a taxi, which is a clear indication that you knew you should not be driving home.

“You decided to take a chance, when your ability to do so was clearly severely impaired.

“The consequences of that decision were catastrophic. Adi was a son, brother and uncle, loved by his friends and a respected care worker.

“Ellisha Adams suffered the most horrific injuries in the same accident. Her life will be forever affected by the events that night.

“The loss and trauma their families have suffered is unimaginable.”

After the case, PC Ian Foxton praised the families for their “patience and dignity throughout the investigation”.

He said: “The message from this case is very simple. Don’t drink and drive.”

Mr Moynihan was able to get out of the car after the crash with a chest injury. Smyth escaped without serious injury, having a grazed knee and a broken bone in her neck. The lorry driver, David Milner, was asleep in his cab having a break on his way to Eastbourne and was uninjured