A driver has been convicted of causing the deaths of four people by careless driving after hitting a car which plunged into an isolated reservoir.
Gordon Dyche, 24, hit Denise Griffith's people carrier while trying to overtake. She was the vehicle's sole survivor after the accident claimed the lives of her husband, mother and two foster sons.
Emyr Griffith, 66, Phyllis Hooper, 84, and Peter Briscome and Liam Govier, both 14, from Pontypridd, all died at the scene near Llanidloes, Powys, in April last year.
The family group was returning after spending the morning on a visit to the nearby market town of Machynlleth.
Dyche was found guilty of causing death by careless driving, but was cleared of causing death by dangerous driving at Caernarfon Crown Court, Dyfed Powys Police said.
The force described the case as an extremely tragic one which had deprived a woman of her family.
Inspector Mark Davies said: "Nothing can begin to compensate for that loss.
"But as a police service we welcome today's verdict.
"Our thoughts and sympathies are with her and we hope she can now be left to grieve her loss in private."
A family friend, who did not want to be identified, said: "Her life has been ruined. Of course she wanted the person responsible for what happened to be made accountable.
"But she isn't taking any great comfort in the outcome.
"At the end of the day, the poor lady has lost her family. There's nothing that could ever make up for her loss.
"However, she is a well-liked lady, and I'm sure everyone around here will do whatever they can to make sure she knows the whole community is behind her and she's always in our prayers."
Dyche, who was previously given a driving ban in August 2010, was jailed for four years for causing death by careless driving, police said.
He was also given a further six months custody for a previously suspended sentence for handling stolen goods.
Following the sentence, Mrs Griffiths issued a statement describing how the car crash and its aftermath had been the worst time of her life.
"While my faith has helped me over the past year and a half, no words can express how much I miss my family and how much my life has changed since that day in April 2011," she said.
"Whatever the outcome from today would have been, it would not have changed anything.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the emergency service personnel who helped that day, Also my family and friends.
"Also Mrs Rowlands who was kind enough to look after my dog Milly. I've not been able to thank her myself.
"All I ask now is that the media respect my privacy and allow me to grieve for my family in peace."