Carterton schoolgirl Grace Diedrichs, was killed on February 17, 2013 when the ute in which she was a passenger was hit by a southbound commuter train at the Wiltons Rd crossing in Carterton.
Jonathan Caleb Painter, 18, was the driver of the vehicle and although he slammed on his brakes as he approached the crossing, which was not controlled by lights or bells, he was unable to prevent the vehicle from colliding with the train, Judge Arthur Tompkins said today at Wellington District Court.
Painter was later charged with dangerous driving causing death, to which he pleaded not guilty.
Last month he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of aggravated careless use of a motor vehicle causing death.
Today, Judge Tompkins sentenced Painter to 200 hours of community service, and disqualified him from driving for one year.
Judge Tompkins said Painter had obviously taken responsibility for his actions.
"The devastating consequence for all involved was of course Grace's death," Judge Tompkins said.
NZME.
