A truck driver accused of causing a crash that killed a father of three over Queen's Birthday weekend has today pleaded not guilty.
Noel Cruza Campilan, 46, died when a truck allegedly driven by Michael Joseph Johnsen, 58, hit his ute on State Highway One at Greta Valley at about 6pm on June 4 this year.
Campilan was heading home to Christchurch after a hunting trip.
Johnsen, of Lake Grassmere in the Marlborough district, appeared at Christchurch District Court today charged with careless driving causing Campilan's death.
Charges of careless driving causing death carry a maximum penalty of three months in jail or a maximum fine of $4500 if proven.
Johnsen represented himself when he appeared in the dock this afternoon.
Judge Tony Couch told him he could see a duty lawyer free of charge, but Johnsen turned down the offer.
He told the court that he wanted to plead not guilty to the charge.
Judge Couch remanded him to a case review hearing on December 5.