B.C. man found guilty of Yukon drunk driving death

A B.C. man was found guilty Friday in Yukon territorial court of drunk driving causing death.

Christopher Maxwell-Smith, 27, was charged in connection with a fatal rollover near Pelly Crossing two years ago.

Maxwell-Smith was foreman for a crew working on the Pelly Bridge that summer.

After a few drinks after work in Pelly Crossing, Maxwell-Smith and his work mates decided to drive to Carmacks for more beer.

Their van hit a newly-gravelled section of road and rolled. Valentino Vella, 27, the only passenger not wearing a seatbelt, was thrown out of a window and killed.

Maxwell-Smith admitted he'd been drinking, but insisted he was not drunk.

Breathalyzer tests proved he was almost double the legal limit. Also, Maxwell-Smith's B.C. learners' permit restricted him to driving only two passengers, with zero tolerance for alcohol.

Maxwell-Smith has already spent seven months in jail in Whitehorse for violating conditions of his release. He will remain there until his sentencing hearing, which will be in about six weeks.