Adam Ohlmeyer pleads guilty over alleged road manslaughter of Grafton man Martin Stait

Almost four years on from the tragic death of Martin Stait – killed when a load of allegedly unsecured fencing collided with his car – one co-accused has changed his plea to a manslaughter charge at the eleventh hour.

Almost four years on from the tragic death of Martin Stait – killed when a load of allegedly unsecured fencing collided with his car – one co-accused has changed his plea to a manslaughter charge at the eleventh hour.

The case, which has been in court for years, centres on the tragic death of Mr Stait, whose life was cut short in August 2021.

Mr Stait succumbed to his horrific injuries two days after his Mazda Bravo was hit by 50 metres of wire fencing that allegedly flew off a truck on Big River Way near Grafton.

Ulmarra father-of-two Martin “Marty” Stait tragically died in a motor vehicle collision on Big River Way, Swan Creek NSW on Friday, August 6 2021.

As the trial’s first week commenced, Adam Ohlmeyer, 48, stunned the courtroom by changing his manslaughter plea of not guilty to guilty.

Ohlmeyer is one of four men who police have claimed is connected to the transport of the alleged unsafe load.

Adam Ohlmeyer leaves Coffs Harbour court on Monday May 19 when he was defending a manslaughter charge against him.

He pleaded guilty on Friday in Coffs Harbour District Court to being an accessory before the fact to dangerous driving causing death while driving in a dangerous manner, driving an unsafely loaded vehicle causing death and manslaughter.

Following the turn of events, the jury was discharged and the trial date reset.

Adam Ohlmeyer was rearraigned leaves Coffs Harbour court on May 19 2025.

William David Strong has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving causing death while driving in a dangerous manner, driving an unsafely loaded vehicle causing death and manslaughter.

The final two men, Blake and Gregory Burgess, have pleaded not guilty to four counts of failing to ensure safety of transport activities, manslaughter, directing an unsafely loaded vehicle causing death and manslaughter.

Ohlmeyer will face Grafton court on July 8 while the trial for the other three accused starts on April 20 next year.