Jetski driver Daniel Liddell pleads guilty to causing death of Cooper Henke and injuring another boy
A jetski driver who struck and killed a teenager on the River Murray has appeared in court for the first time – and pleaded guilty.
Police & Courts
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A jetski rider has pleaded guilty, during his first court appearance, to killing a teenage kayaker in a crash on the River Murray near Blanchetown.
Daniel Patrick Liddell, 43, of Craigmore, was visibly upset and sobbed throughout the brief Adelaide Magistrates Court hearing on Wednesday, as it was revealed he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 at the time of the crash.
Liddell pleaded guilty to causing the death of Cooper Henke, 14, when he struck him with the jetski at Murbko, near Morgan, on December 16 last year.
He also pleaded guilty to a charge of causing harm by dangerous driving to Hunter Denman.
The court heard Liddell was operating the jetski in a “culpably negligent manner or recklessly, or at speed or in a manner which was dangerous to the public” at the time of the incident.
Cooper’s family last month paid tribute to the teenager, whom they said had a passion for water activities. He was on a family trip when he was struck and pulled unconscious from the water.
His mother, Renee Henke, said her son “had a wild sense of humour, a bloody heart of gold, an infectious personality, a quirky outlook on life and a contagious laugh that stood out with his changing husky voice”.
Cooper’s father, Simon Henke, said his family now “have a huge hole in our hearts where our beautiful son’s soul is missing”.
“He brought so much love, light and laughter into our lives,” Mr Henke said.
The family also thanked the support they had received from family, friends and their local Roxby Downs community after Cooper’s death.
Liddell is eligible for a discount of up to 25 per cent of his penalty for pleading guilty at his first court appearance. He was flanked by supporters as he left court and declined to comment.
He will next appear in the District Court for arraignment in April ahead of sentencing.
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