Tradie whose ladder struck motorcyclist in fatal Gold Coast crash avoids jail

A driver whose ladder fell from a trailer, leading to a crash that killed a motorcyclist on a Gold Coast highway last year, has pleaded guilty in court.

Brody Smith was driving on the M1 at Nerang on November 2 last year when the ladder flew from his trailer, colliding with Craig Ward as he rode on a motorbike. 

The court heard today Smith failed to check his ladders were properly secured to his trailer when he set off from home that morning.

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Realising that both ladders were missing and hearing of the accident, Smith called police to notify them of his whereabouts. 

The court also heard from the victim's family, who submitted a letter speaking of their son's work in the community, from volunteering to driving veterans on Anzac Day. 

They said their son was greatly missed and loved by many.

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Described as a tragedy, the magistrate said there was no sentencing that would alleviate the pain for Mr Ward's family. 

Smith, who pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention causing death, has been issued 200 hours of community service and has been disqualified from driving for nine months.