The family of a man who died in an Adelaide Hills crash last year has hit out at the home detention sentence given to the drunk driver.
Campbell Henderson was three times over the legal blood alcohol limit and driving almost 40 kph over the speed limit when he lost control of his ute and crashed into a tree at Brukunga on Easter Monday in 2021.
His passenger Nick Peart, 39, died at the scene.
After pleading guilty, Henderson was given a sentence of more than four years, with a non-parole period of three years and five months.
However, Judge Joana Fuller determined that his sentence be served on home detention, while also cancelling his licence for 13 years.
Henderson and Mr Peart were neighbours and friends, with Mr Peart's three children referring to him as an uncle.
The court heard the pair been drinking on Easter Monday in 2021 and both had taken turns driving while under the influence.
Henderson, 29, was behind the wheel when his ute hit a tree around 5:30pm, with a large branch falling on the car and killing Mr Peart.
Henderson suffered serious injuries in the crash and now uses a cane.
In deciding on home detention, Judge Fuller said Henderson was a young man in stable employment, had excellent prospects of rehabilitation and had significant physical, psychological and cognitive limitations.
He also has no prior convictions.
The court heard Henderson had depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Judge Fuller said Henderson would "trade places" with Mr Peart if he could.
"You are unable to sleep and you are haunted by the thought of what you have done," she said.
Mr Peart's children previously told the court of their "hate" for Henderson for taking their father from them.
"It is tragic beyond words that not only have these children lost their father in such a senseless way but now rather than being happy and carefree children, they are consumed by feelings of hate and anger towards you," Judge Fuller said.
Mr Peart's brother-in-law, Craig Revi, said he was "bewildered and appalled" by Henderson's sentence.
"It is a severe blow to mine and the children's faith in our system, because I appreciate there may be extenuating circumstances, I just feel they're inadequate and inaccurate," he said.
