Queensland truck driver Adam Ohlmeyer, 48, has been jailed for manslaughter after a court found he’d failed to properly secure a load of fencing that detached and killed a motorist in northern NSW.

Grafton’s Martin Stait died after a roll of wire came off the back of the truck and hit his car, causing him to crash at Swan Creek near Grafton in August, 2021.

Judge James Bennett sentenced Ohlmeyer on Friday in the Grafton District Court to three years’ imprisonment for manslaughter with a non-parole period of 13 months.

According to the agreed police facts tendered in court, the truck broke down near Byron Bay and had to be towed to a service station in Ballina.

A driver with a prime mover met Ohlmeyer there and the trailer was transferred onto the second truck.

Judge Bennett described the subsequent check made by Ohlmeyer as “a failure to take reasonable steps to examine the load”.

During sentencing, Judge Bennett told the court Ohlmeyer was “criminally negligent” to drive the heavy haulage vehicle without adequately ensuring the fencing was secured and allowing another driver to do so as well.

“The case highlights the need to take appropriate measures in relation to the driving of heavy vehicles to ensure the safety of the members of the public, including the securing of loads,” Judge Bennett said.

During sentencing the court also heard Ohlmeyer felt shame and deep regret and had suffered panic attacks, depression and PTSD since the incident, reported ABC News.

Three other men have pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the incident. Their cases are due to go to trial in April next year.