Truck driver Michael Johnsen denies causing crash that killed Christchurch father of three

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.