Serial drink-driver jailed over Qld death

A man who had up to 15 beers before killing a woman when he ploughed into her car at speed was caught drink driving again while out on bail, a court has heard.

Michael John Morris, 28, was drunk, unlicensed and doing more than 20km/h over the 60km/h speed limit when he lost control of his Commodore on a roundabout at Chermside, in Brisbane's north, in July 2015.

The impact catapaulted 50-year-old Razeena Khan's car off the road, causing her serious injuries that she died from three weeks later.

Her daughter, who was in the car at the time, was also injured but survived.

Morris pleaded guilty on Wednesday in the Brisbane District Court to dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, drink driving, and driving unlicensed and will spend at least two-and-a-half years in jail.

The court heard he had consumed up to 15 beers prior to getting in the car, and had a blood alcohol reading of 0.226 per cent - more than four times above the legal limit.

His extensive traffic history was outlined in court, with Judge Deborah Richards noting Morris had three prior convictions for drink driving, as well as prior offences of speeding and driving without a licence.

Significantly, Judge Richards noted Morris had been caught drink driving again just before Christmas last year.

Morris's barrister, Craig Eberhardt, told the court his client was remorseful and had made attempts at rehabilitation.

However Judge Richards said his decision to drink-drive again after Ms Khan's death was concerning.

"It seems as though being pulled over by the police in the past hasn't deterred you from driving with alcohol in your system," she said.

"One can't be confident that you're unlikely to commit another offence like this if you drive."

She sentenced Morris to seven years' jail and ordered he be eligible for parole in August 2019.

Judge Richards also disqualified him from driving for five years.