A Landrum man received a 10-year prison sentence Thursday for his involvement in an alcohol-related traffic fatality.

Ernest Leonard Mazur, 45, pleaded guilty to felony driving under the influence with a death, according to solicitor Trey Gowdy.

The defendant accepted responsibility for the July 19, 2008 wreck that claimed the life of 44-year-old Terry Fred Lawson, says the solicitor.

According to a press release from the solicitor, the victim was walking on the shoulder of Grace Chapel Road in southern Spartanburg County when he was struck by the front left corner of Mazur&squo;s late model Jeep.

Lawson died at the wreck scene. When the Highway Patrol responded to the 10:30 p.m. wreck, the investigating trooper reported that Mazur&squo;s speech was slurred and he smelled like he had been drinking. Mazur also admitted to being the driver of the Jeep.

The investigation also revealed that Mazur was driving well in excess of the posted 40 mile per hour speed limit.

A blood alcohol test taken at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center registered Mazur at .22.

&dquo;This case is a good example of the danger of drinking and driving,&dquo; Principal Deputy Solicitor Barry Barnette said. &dquo;Ernest Mazur&squo;s pathetic actions claimed the life of another person.&dquo;

Mazur will serve 8.5 years of Circuit Judge Mark Hayes&squo; prison sentence before he is eligible for release. The sentence includes a $10,000 fine and $2,279 in restitution.