Driver 'thought nine pints safe'

A motorist who caused the death of a friend thought he could drive after eight or nine pints as long as he wore a seatbelt, a court has heard.

David Curry, 35, took his father's car without permission and offered friends a lift to a party, despite having no driving licence.

Curry crashed on the outskirts of Aberdeen in September, 2005, and Gregor Allan, 23, died of his injuries.

The High Court in Aberdeen heard Curry told police: "I thought as long as you were wearing a seatbelt you were alright to have eight or nine pints."

He admitted causing death by dangerous driving. Sentence was deferred.