A driver who dangerously merged on a Wollongong highway causing a fiery crash that killed two people has been jailed for at least a year.
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Graham William Squires was driving just ahead of a B-double truck on the M1 Princes Motorway when he attempted to merge in front without enough distance on Friday, June 28, 2019.
The truck driver was then forced to slam on his brakes in the bumper-to-bumper traffic causing a multi-car pile-up behind with one car catching on fire.
Long-term couple John Cerezo and Catherine Camilleri died in the inferno.
Several other people in vehicles affected were also injured in the crash.
"The full horror of what happened behind the B-double was not apparent" to the now-67-year-old driver until two hours later during his police interview.
After a Wollongong jury found Squires guilty on two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, Judge Stephen Norrish sentenced him on Thursday in the NSW District Court to a maximum term of three years in prison.
Hailing from the NSW mid-north coast, Squires felt totally uncomfortable driving in that area in the heavy traffic that day, the court heard.
Judge Norrish said the grief and considerable emotional pain for the remaining family members were palpable given the shocking manner in which the couple died.
A victim impact statement earlier read to the court by Ms Camilleri's mother expressed her sorrow at losing a daughter.
The judge also acknowledged Squires had been profoundly affected by the consequences of his driving and had shown sincere and continuing remorse.
"He constantly reflected on his movements and actions leading up to the impact ...and takes full responsibility," Judge Norrish said.
Character references for Squires painted him as a caring person and devoted family man always concerned for other people.
His former partner said he always displayed generally sensible behaviour and was a cautious driver.
Judge Norrish highlighted special circumstances that weighed upon his sentencing including Squires' management of services and full-time responsibility in caring for his disabled son.
After losing his wife to complications from breast cancer some years ago Squires became the sole-carer for their son who relied entirely on him for support.
The Crown accepted this was an exceptional case in the matter.
Judge Norrish acknowledged many aggravating circumstances including excessive speed, alcohol or drug consumption, and erratic driving were not causative features of the crash but there was a "brief period of reckless judgement".
Despite indicating that he intended to cross from lanes one to two the court heard the moment he moved his vehicle was unsafe to do so.
"This was not a case of abandonment of responsibility."
Squires' defence earlier argued the B-double truck had been tailgating dangerously and not leaving enough room, but the Crown rejected this saying there was never a safe space to merge.
After he was sentenced Squires had a moment to warmly embrace one of his sons and pat him on the back before being led away in handcuffs.
Australian Associated Press
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