A speeding motorist lost control of his car killing a teenage passenger as he returned from a drug run, a court heard.
Patrick Connolly, 39, was jailed for four-and-a-half years following the crash, which claimed the life of 19-year-old Andrew Taylor.
After the hearing at Preston Crown Court, Mr Taylor’s family described Connolley, of Downham Drive, Accrington, as an ‘incompetent, immature egotist’ who felt the need to show off to two impressionable teenagers.
His dad, Ian, 50 who lives in Brunshaw, described his son as a ‘quiet, homely boy’ who loved his family and prefered to stay at home.
He said: "There is nothing you can fill the void with."
Connolly admitted causing the death of Mr Taylor by dangerous driving on Blackburn Road, Clayton-le-Moors in September 2008.
He had been driving his performance V6 2.5 litre engine Ford Mondeo near the Dunkenhalgh Hotel in Clayton-le-Moors, when the crash happened. Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, told the court Mr Taylor and his friend Warren Hey had gone with Connolly to buy some cannabis resin. Mr Hey, who did not know Connolly, sat in the rear, and Mr Taylor sat in the front of the Ford Mondeo car, which had been adapted to enhance its speed and performance.
"The three set off on a journey which led to the untimely death of Andrew Taylor," said Mr Lamberty. Mr Heys later described the speed Connolly was doing as ‘stupid’.
On the way to Church, he said Connolly ‘floored it’ when he accelerated.
A purchase was made and they headed back to Rishton. Connolly overtook a car and narrowly missed a van travelling in the opposite direction. He was travelling at 50 to 60mph in a 30mph zone.
He approached a right hand bend where the accident occurred.
In trying to negotiate the bend Connolly lost control, clipped the kerb and the car spun 180 degrees. The car went across the road and collided with a barrier.
Mr Taylor was killed immediately. Connolly sustained minor injuries and Mr Heys had whiplash.
Investigations revealed there was no defect with the car. Investigations had meant a delay in the case coming to court. Connolly only pleaded guilty on the day his trial was due to start.
After the accident, Connolly had been prosecuted for driving with excess alcohol and had been disqualified from driving for 12 months.
In mitigation, Ken Hind, defending, pointed to the fact that Connolly had pleaded guilty, although he admitted it was late in the day. He said Connolley was remorseful and deeply regretted what had happened.
"He has to live for the rest of his life with the consequences of what happened on the day that Andrew died," said Mr Hind.
He added: "He sought solace in the bottle, which resulted in him losing his licence."
Judge Lloyd told Connolly his persistent denials had prolonged the agony for Andrew’s family.
He added: "You showed complete disregard for the laws of the road and hence Andrew died.
"Whatever sentence I pass on you today, it cannot and will never satisfy the family.
"You will have to live with the rest of your life knowing your actions caused his death, but you will have a life to lead," she added.
