An Ottawa man has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison after pleading guilty in September to impaired driving causing death and failing to remain at the scene of an accident.

Jeremy Rees was sentenced Monday to nearly five years in prison. (CBC)

Jeremy Rees, 23, surrendered to police one day after Erin Vance, a 26-year-old mother of twin boys, was struck in March while walking along Bayview Drive in Constance Bay, Ont., about 30 kilometres west of Ottawa, with her boyfriend and four other people.

Rees's defence lawyer, Paolo Giancaterino, had recommended a sentence of three to four years in prison, citing his client's plea and remorse.

The Crown, meanwhile, had recommended a six-year sentence and a 10-year ban from driving, calling Rees's behaviour the night of the crash "reckless."

A friend and uncle of the victim told CBC News in March both the accused and Vance were sitting at the same table at a nearby bar called The Point, where they were partying for St. Patrick's Day.

A charge of criminal negligence causing death was withdrawn after the guilty plea.