Dr David Herbert, of Woolton, had been on a drinking binge with friends in Liverpool when the crash happened, the city's crown court was told.

Dr Herbert, 26, was cleared of causing death by careless driving while unfit through drink, but fined �2,500 on lesser related charges.

Tom Hanson, 20, died last November after Dr Herbert's car struck him.

The crash took place at about 0230 BST, but police could not trace the doctor until 0500 BST.

The court earlier heard Dr Herbert, who worked in A&E at Whiston Hospital, had been drinking vodka and beer with friends before the accident in which Mr Hanson, a student, died.

The judge disqualified him from driving for three years after he was found guilty of driving without due care and attention and driving while unfit through drink.