A friend of a cyclist who was killed by a drunk driver on the Kapiti Coast is baffled that the woman was not charged with manslaughter.
Alison Downer, 71, was sentenced on Wednesday to a prison term of for two years and two months.
She earlier pleaded guilty to drunk driving causing the death of Frank van Kampen, a teacher,on State Highway One near Te Horo in September last year.
Her breath-alcohol reading was almost twice the legal limit.
Downer had three previous convictions for drink driving.
School caretaker Ron Chatter, who witnessed the incident, says he's sceptical about claims in court that Downer is remorseful.
Mr Chatter says he's seen letters written from members of her family, but there's been no personal expression of remorse from Downer herself.
Downer was also disqualified from driving for eight years and ordered to pay reparation of $30,000 for emotional harm.
