Adelaide District Court Judge Simon Stretton told Gabrielle Loretta Harney, 25, of Lakes Entrance, her offending was too serious for a suspended sentence.

"Your drunk, unlicensed, speeding and dangerous driving was clearly the sole cause of your aunt's death," Judge Stretton said.

Harney was found guilty at trial of causing her aunt's death by dangerous driving.

Sentencing her to five years, with a non-parole period of four years, Judge Stratton said Harney was speeding in Royal Park in March 2008 when she lost control.

The car slid across a road, mounted a curb and hit a tree before catching fire.

Her aunt was pronounced dead at the scene.

Judge Stretton said Harney's failure to say sorry to her family until recently in court had caused them "great suffering".

Harney, who has a 14-month-old son, had a history of driving offences including stealing a car.

Judge Stretton did not suspend the sentence.

"Your offending is simply too serious, the consequences too great and the need for general deterrence too high," he said.

*source, "Perth Now" March 31, 2011 Liza Kappelle