A TRUCK driver has been fined for a series of traffic offences after two loose hay bales flew off his load and one killed a Launceston couple on a motorcycle.
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Gerald Alfred Davis, 55, of Golconda, was sentenced in the Launceston Magistrates Court on Friday.
He had previously pleaded guilty to driving offences including having driven a heavy vehicle and trailer which was two tonnes overweight with an improperly restrained load and inoperative left brake and marker lights.
Tracie and Michael Pel, who were enjoying a Sunday afternoon ride, were killed when one of two loose hay bales from Davis' load struck their motorcycle on Lilydale Road, Lilydale on February 8.
Prosecutors had determined that insufficient evidence meant they were unable to charge Davis with the more serious charge of having caused the couple’s death by negligent driving.
Magistrate Simon Brown told the court on Friday that the consequences of Davis' offending, particularly his failure to properly secure his load, were horrendous.
Mr Brown acknowledged that the deaths of the Pels had caused their families much grief and devastation.
He fined Davis $12,000 and postponed his four-month disqualification from driving to allow him to apply for a restricted driver licence.
Outside court, family of the Pels expressed extreme disappointment with the penalty.
On the day of his offending, Davis drove his truck from home and did several pick-ups and deliveries of plastic-wrapped hay bales and machinery to and from various locations.
He also stopped his truck several times, including in Launceston, because it was overheating.
