Adam Ohlmeyer sentenced for manslaughter for unsafe load causing Martin Stait’s death

A truck driver has been jailed for manslaughter after a court found he had failed to ensure a load of fencing that fell and tragically caused the death of a north coast father-of-two.

Martin ‘Marty’ Stait tragically died after a motor vehicle collision on Big River Way, Swan Creek NSW on Friday, August 6 2021.

A truck driver has been jailed for manslaughter after a court found he had failed to adequately secure a load of fencing that fell and caused the death of an Ulmarra father-of-two.

Eight rolls of wire became loose, falling off the truck, before the ninth roll flew off and struck Martin Stait’s vehicle on August 6, 2021 on Big River Way near Grafton.

Due to the severity of his injuries, Mr Stait’s family switched off the 35-year-old’s life support a day after the 30kg fencing crashed into the car.

The truck driver, Adam Ohlmeyer, 48, who drove the load interstate and at the time of the collision was a passenger, was found culpable even though he did not know the fencing had fallen off the heavy vehicle.

Judge James Bennett sentenced Ohlmeyer to three years’ imprisonment for manslaughter with a non-parole period of one year and three months.

Left to right: Martin Statis’ father Glenn Stait, sister Jennifer Stait, wife Ni Komang Muliastuti, brother Troy Stait, mother Robyn Cartwright and stepfather Neville McMaster.

After the verdict was handed down Mr Stait’s brother, Troy Stait spoke on behalf of the family.

“While no judgement would ever fit for the pain and loss we have suffered we respect the court’s decision,” he said.

Father and brother of Martin Stait, Glenn Stait and Troy Stait, outside Grafton court.

The court heard that Ohlmeyer had only checked the load, which originated in Toowoomba, in the dark with his mobile phone torch.

Judge Bennett described the 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.

Adam Ohlmeyer leaves Coffs Harbour court on May 21 2025.

On sentencing at Grafton District Court on Friday, Judge Bennett acknowledged Ohlmeyer’s plea of guilty and his “contrition and remorse”.

Three other co-accused are set to face trial in April 2026.

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Originally published as Adam Ohlmeyer sentenced for manslaughter for unsafe load causing Martin Stait’s death