ROTORUA - The man whose logging truck rolled and killed four women says he will probably never drive a truck again.
John Branson, aged 55, of Rotorua, also says the past year has been a misery for his family.
A year after his truck rolled, spilling its logs on the following car and killing the four women, Branson maintained his innocence but spoke of the distress his family had endured as a result of the accident.
On Friday, the father of four was found guilty of four charges of careless driving causing death and two of careless driving causing injury.
"It's blown me away completely," said Branson.
"The family have been very edgy, emotional and can't believe the outcome - but unfortunately it's not over yet. They are pretty cut up about it."
He did not believe he would drive a truck again and said he had not worked since the accident.
One of his children, a student at a local school, had been "hassled" over the case.
"That's pretty tough really. But she's coping very well because in her mind her dad is innocent. It's hit the family hard."
Branson said he was dreading his sentencing day on June 9 in Tauranga.
"I am very fearful for the family more than myself."
Extended family and friends, members of the public and present and former truck drivers had supported him and his family, he said.
A pile of character references on the lounge table is evidence of the level of support he has.
He maintains his innocence and, while having no recollection of the accident, is adamant that he was not speeding.
"My accident was tragic because it took four lives, but I still don't think I was speeding.
"Something has gone wrong but I don't know what."
Branson was criticised by the families of the four dead women for not speaking to them, but he said that legal reasons meant he was unable to do so - yet.
He apologised to the families, but said the verdict left him stunned and unable to speak to the families in any case.
"When the decision was handed down I was pretty shocked and could not speak to anyone, not even my own family."
He also took a swipe at the media, claiming they portrayed truck drivers negatively.
"They had my name and address printed before I went to trial.
"Here they are protecting a policeman who shot someone [in Waitara] but they don't mind my name being plastered everywhere."
Branson believed he was a safe driver, but felt he had been made a scapegoat.
He apologised to other logging drivers for bringing them into disrepute.
However, he also believed action needed to be taken to ensure logging trucks were safer.
- NZPA
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