An emotional day in a London courtroom as victim impact statements are being delivered in the sentencing hearing of Chinese National Jinghao Zhou.

Zhou pleaded guilty to impaired driving causing death related to the crash last November that killed Gloria Chivers, who was delivering newspapers at the time.

Zhou also pleaded guilty to immigration charges related to him being in Canada illegally.

Zhou, 23, was in Canada as a student.

The court heard Thursday that Zhou had more than twice the legal alcohol limit in his system and was driving over 180 kilometres in a 60 zone.

The defence is asking that Zhou be given a four year sentence for the impaired driving death of Chivers. The Crown and federal proscecutor are asking for eight years for the imparired and immigration offences.

An emotional statement was read in court on behalf of Chivers’ husband Chris.

"This punk not only killed my wife, he destroyed my life. This haunts me. I have no one to love."

Zhou was given a chance to address the court and he did so through an interpreter.

“My words cannot describe how sorry I am. I killed an innocent woman and hurt her family. I am and only child and I have brought shame to my family."