A German tourist has been ordered to pay $20,000 in emotional reparation after he caused a fatal car crash which killed a Chinese student.
Mario Pieper. Photo: RNZ / Steve Wilde
Mario Pieper was driving between Queenstown and Invercargill on Boxing Day last year when he struck Jessica Tao's car, killing her and injuring two of her friends.
Ms Tao's mother, who flew from China for the sentencing in the Invercargill District Court, described her anguish at losing her only child.
Pieper told the court through his lawyer of his utter remorse and feelings of hopelessness following the accident.
Pieper was charged with one count of dangerous driving causing death, two counts of causing injury.
He was disqualified from driving for two years and fined one thousand dollars for each charge.