Goran Joveski: truck driver faces court over crash death of Peter Howard at Epping in 2019

A truck driver says he is constantly haunted by his killing of a much-loved father of two in a fatal crash at Epping.

A truckie who killed a much-loved father of two in a horrific crash 2019 says he wishes he could “turn back time” and avoid the tragedy, as he tries to avoid serving jail time.

Goran Joveski, 44, of Truganina, on Tuesday pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of fellow truck driver Peter Howard, 50 at Epping just before Christmas 2019.

Joveski, the director of a small logistics company, admitted he drove down Miller St without securing a faulty stabiliser leg, leaving it sticking out into oncoming traffic.

Mr Howard, a devoted son, husband, father and CFA member, was driving a garbage truck in the oncoming lane, and was killed instantly when the leg smashed through his windscreen.

Truck driver Peter Howard in a truck crash caused by Goran Joveski.

The court heard the collision was so brutal it tore Mr Howard from the cabin of his truck.

Mr Howard’s wife, Jodie, told the court she was “angry and upset” that her husband was killed at work, and would never get to see his grandchildren grow up.

“Through no fault of his own, he will never again come home from work,” she said.

“I miss having someone in bed next to me. It’s empty, it’s cold, it’s lonely.”

In a letter of apology, Joveski said “there is not a day that goes by where I do not think about what I have done”.

“I cannot comprehend the grief I have caused.”

Peter Howard’s garbage truck after the fatal crash. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

He said he wished he could “turn back time and perhaps do something different”.

Joveski’s barrister, Leighton Gwynn, said his client faced losing his business and the family home if he was sent to jail.

“He cannot believe he has caused the death of another human being,” Mr Gwynn said.

Mr Gwynne said Joveski was the main breadwinner for his wife, Suzie, and daughters Isabella and Emily.

Goran Joveski’s container truck at the scene of the crash in Epping. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“If (he was to go to jail) it would cause a degree of hardship for the family.”

Prosecutor Brett Sonnet said a term of imprisonment was the only appropriate sentence for Joveski, who, he said, knew the stabilising leg was faulty but failed to check it before driving off down Miller St.

Judge Wendy Wilmoth will sentence Joveski at a later date.