Chronic alcoholic Kristie Merrett jailed for five years trends now

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Chronic alcoholic Kristie Merrett - who was more than four times over the limit and speeding when she fatally injured a nine-year-old boy - has been jailed for more than five years.

Gosford District Court Judge Justin Smith said Merrett, 52, had a blood alcohol level above 0.20 and was driving nearly 30km/h over the speed limit when she crashed into a car being driven by a woman with her son in the back.

After the accident, Merrett asked: 'Where am I? What's happened? I need a drink, I need a drink.'

She later told police the other car had come out of nowhere and she had only had a few drinks the night before after breaking up with her abusive partner and was surprised she was over the limit.

Merrett had in fact drunk a bottle of vodka the previous night.

Judge Smith said the boy's tragic death highlighted the dangers of drink driving and speeding and he had to punish Merrett to make her accountable for her actions and to try to deter others in the community from doing the same thing.

'These comments are directed at anyone who thinks it is OK to speed on our roads or to otherwise disobey the road rules,' Judge Smith said on Friday.

'Have a look at this woman. Look at her victims, their families, and think about the years in prison that will result.

'None of you think this will ever be you, but nor did this woman.'