Alan Stephens. Photo / Paul Estcourt
An angry mum has spoken out about the level-crossing smash that left three children seriously injured and a boy dead after his dad drove their car in front of an 850-tonne freight train.
Alan Stephens, 40, was found guilty this week of dangerous driving causing death after the crash that
killed his 4-year-old son. His wife Charlene wept uncontrollably when the verdicts were delivered.
Trae Blayde died, and his sisters Shannyne, 6, and Holly, 2, and his cousin Nakita, 12, were injured in the crash near Pukekohe last year.
Nakita suffered severe head injuries and will have serious problems for the rest of her life, a Crown lawyer told the court.
Cherie Mitchell, Nakita's mum, said her daughter was lucky to survive, but she still had nightmares and mental health issues - and Stephens had never apologised.
"He killed his child but he got a payout," she said. "They got 11 grand under ACC - but we have absolutely nothing."
Mitchell is no longer on speaking terms with Alan and Charlene Stephens. "Nakita's dad is very angry still," she said.
"They said it could take her a long time to come right but, in the meantime, I just have to put up with her and take each day as it comes."
Defence lawyer Quentin Duff told the court Stephens was momentarily distracted and did not see the train.
In the police interview, Stephens had said: "I stuffed up. This is my boy. This is my mate. My little fella."
Duff said it was a genuine mistake, not a suicide attempt.
"They were on their way to buy icecreams and he's forgotten his money. There is nothing sinister.
"He and his wife Charlene are still together. I think that is a sign, because if there had been any cracks in the armour they would have split up by now."
Stephens was remanded on bail for sentencing next month.
