A strong message was sent to transport operators from the courts this week, with Ashik Ali sentenced to three years in prison for causing the death of Jonathon Walters. Mr Walters died in May last year, having been hit by a non-compliant truck after its brakes failed.

The presiding judge, Justice Graham Lang described the death as “an absolute tragic and avoidable event.” This death followed years of non-compliance on the part of Mr Ali who continued driving the truck which was in such poor state it had been barred from being used on the road.

The prosecution argued Mr Ali’s gross recklessness needed to serve as a deterrent to others.

That is exactly right, and let’s hope the right people were paying attention.

For too long, too many illegal transport operators have undercut honest operators. While only a small minority, it only takes one to cause a catastrophe, destroying lives and tarnishing the reputations of good and bad operators alike without discernment.

The system, regulators and the courts, must act in unison to be effective as a deterrent. There must be real consequences for when someone flagrantly violates the law as Mr Ali has done.

Three years in prison will feel like cold comfort for Mr Walter’s family.

But it was my hope that this case would be used to send a strong signal that if you break the law, you can expect severe consequences. The alternative is unthinkable.

Mr Ali’s defence lawyer described how Mr Ali was in a bind. “He couldn’t afford to keep his truck roadworthy, and he also couldn’t afford to turn away work.”

No. What he couldn’t afford was to cause the death of another human being, and to go to prison for three years.

This is a tragedy for all concerned, because it was so avoidable.

It is imperative that the regulatory system learns from it. Mr Ali had too many encounters with it, yet this still occurred. The regulator needs stronger powers, not least the ability to impound trucks.

I also hope that the right people will learn from it. 

There are many lessons.Take pride in your work. Respect and look after those around you. Learn how to make good decisions. Think about consequences.

Ask for help.

Don’t think it will never happen to me. Because one day, it just might.

Justin Tighe-Umbers, Chief Executive, National Road Carriers Assn