Magistrate Aaron Simpson on Thursday morning found Selby guilty of driving without due care or attention causing death.
Cameron’s loved ones cried upon hearing the verdict.
Her mother told the court of her and her family’s heartbreak over losing Cameron, describing how her constant yearning to have her back was a different kind of torment.
She said she did not know how to live without her daughter.
“My world is darker and smaller, and I feel so much lonelier without her,” Jade Te Awhitu said.
She told the court of Cameron’s missed milestones and dreams and how she would never have a future, or become a mother.
She implored the magistrate to recognise the profound impact of losing Cameron, and told the court safety in the community should be prioritised.
As she read her statement, Selby stared ahead.
Crown Prosecutor Susan Hedge submitted Selby should face a term of imprisonment of eight months.
Holt said his client had always, and would always, be deeply affected by what happened that day.
He said Selby had more than three decades of driving experience, and said he was described as a “gentle giant”.
In sentencing, Simpson said Selby made a poor decision that could have been avoided.
“That poor decision caused you to collide with the building,” he said, describing Cameron’s death as a tragedy.
He said whatever the outcome of the court proceedings, its impact would be felt by Selby as well as Cameron’s family.
“The mark on them will never go away,” he said.
Simpson said Selby had expressed heartfelt remorse, but there were also aggravating circumstances, including that he was a professional driver with training, who was operating a heavy vehicle, which posed a greater risk.
Simpson said his verdict would probably spell the end of Selby’s career as a bus driver.
“I struggle to see how you’ll get your authorisations back to be a bus driver again,” he said.
Simpson sentenced Selby to eight months imprisonment, wholly suspended for 12 months, and he was disqualified from driving for 12 months. The conviction would be recorded.
Simpson acknowledged Selby’s age, his co-operation, and otherwise good character, and said “it was not deliberate” on his part.
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