Driver spared jail for injuring 3 friends

Just before a driver crashed into a tree, maiming three friends, one posted to her Facebook page a message saying "we may or may not live to see the end of the day".

But the young woman, whose arm was amputated, and the two other victims have forgiven Dale John Nation-Boston who was spared an immediate jail term on Thursday.

The 21-year-old, from Morphett Vale in Adelaide, pleaded guilty in the District Court to a count of causing serious harm and two of causing harm by dangerous driving in June last year.

Judge Paul Muscat said he had agonised over whether Nation-Boston should be given an immediate prison sentence, having swayed in his decision in a case where the scales of justice were so evenly balanced.

But, after noting there had been enough agony in this case, he decided to suspend a three-year jail term, placing Nation-Boston on a good behaviour bond for that period and banning him from driving for 10 years.

"You are very fortunate to have such close, caring and forgiving friends," he said.

"They have conducted themselves with great restraint, understanding and forgiveness."

The four good friends, two males and two females, were on a Sunday afternoon drive.

Nation-Boston had driven badly before fishtailing his Commodore for 71 metres and slamming into a tree.

"Your driving was of concern to the girls and they were texting each other in the car about your bad driving," the judge said.

The texts included: "I am trying not to throw up right now" and: "The only thing I can suggest is that you tell him to stop".

Rebecca Wiltshire, whose arm had to be amputated, posted a message to her Facebook page saying: "We may or may not live to see the end of the day, if not catch you".

In her victim impact statement, she spoke of her devastating injuries and of having "lost her tattoos and with it, part of her identity".

The judge told Nation-Boston he was no doubt "showing off and thought what you were doing was just a bit of fun".

The driver had fought back tears when reading a court apology, telling his victims he wished he could take back his stupidity and would never forgive himself.