A Port Macquarie man has been sentenced to jail over the tragic death of well-known triathlon club member and Ironman competitor, Wayne Jackson.
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Michael McNamara, 45, of Talofa Crescent was sentenced in the Port Macquarie District Court on September 15.
Judge Roy Ellis convicted McNamara of dangerous driving occasioning death, driving in a manner dangerous.
McNamarra pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years and one month jail, which expires on October 14, 2022, with a non-parole period of 10 months, expiring on July 14, 2021.
Court document reveal the accident happened on the Oxley Highway at around 6am on June 14, 2018.
McNamara was driving a large B-double in the left lane of two lanes.
As he was attempting to merge into the right lane, McNamara was checking his right side mirror when he heard an impact noise.
"There was no evidence that McNamara was driving in excess of the speed limit while his blood and urine samples were negative for drugs and alcohol," the documents indicate.
"He was within the allowed time limits for safe driving and was not using his phone, which was verified by police.
"The cause of the accident was a moment of inattention while he checked his mirrors," the court heard.
Documents indicate that "McNamara's remorse has been sincere and life altering".
McNamara stopped driving large vehicles immediately following the accident, before returning to the industry in 2019.
He was to quit within six weeks.
Since the accident he has suffered from depression and acute anxiety.
Highly respected
Mr Jackson was 50 years of age at the time of the accident.
He was well-known within the Port Macquarie banking industry and was a highly respected figure within the wider business community.
He was a board member on the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce and was regularly involved in charitable projects including Relay for Life, Him in Heels walk and other community events.
Mr Jackson was arguably better known for his sporting interests.
He was a volunteer with the Wauchope Soccer Club and the Wauchope Blues Rugby League Club where he served as a committee member, club treasurer, first aid officer and coach of multiple teams.
His other sporting interests extended to the Port Macquarie Triathlon Club, where he was a keen triathlon enthusiast, having completed four full Ironman events and countless half Ironman's.
When not competing, he volunteered tirelessly, and could be found on the course for the entire event.
Mr Jackson was married to Rebecca and the couple were raising their children together - Adam, Samuel, William, Sally and Joseph.
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