Jetski rider Daniel Patrick Liddell reads tearful apology to family of Cooper Henke in District Court

A jetski driver who killed a teenager on the River Murray has apologised in court, saying he wishes it was him who died that day.

A jetski rider who killed a teenager and injured another boy who were kayaking on the River Murray has read a tearful apology in court, saying he wished he could exchange his life for the boy he killed.

Daniel Patrick Liddell stood in the District Court dock and said he was immeasurably sorry for causing the death of 14-year-old Cooper Henke and injuring his friend, Hunter Denman, 12.

“There is little I can do and nothing I can say to take back what I have done. It is unforgivable,” he said.

“I wish I could take back that day. I wish I could exchange my life for his. No parent, no family, should ever have to endure the pain that I have caused you.

“I deserve to be punished and I will never forgive myself for what I have done. I am sincerely sorry.”

On December 16, he borrowed a friend’s jetski and took it for a ride, doing “doughnuts” before heading back towards the jetty at Murbko, between Morgan and Blanchetown.

On the way back, he struck the two boys who were kayaking.

Cooper Henke, 14, died on the Murray River on December 16 last year. Picture: Supplied by Family

Liddell, 44, of Craigmore had a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.08 at the time of the crash.

James Caldicott, for Liddell, said his client accepted full responsibility for the tragedy.

He said Liddell was “not a bad person but someone who made an incredibly poor decision resulting in terrible consequences”.

Liddell had been drinking with friends at Murbko the day prior and continued “steadily” drinking on the day of the crash. He also had “two puffs” of methamphetamine from a pipe which he was offered to counteract his hangover.

After watching others, he asked to use the jetski and the owner showed him how to use it.

“Liddell cannot explain why he did not see the children in the water that day,” he said.

“It is thought that he looked over his right shoulder on his return back towards the jetty and in a split second makes contact.”

Daniel Liddell leaves the District Court flanked by supporters. Photo: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

Liddell pleaded guilty at his first court appearance in February to aggravated charges of causing death by dangerous driving and causing harm by dangerous driving. His early plea attracts discounts of 25 per cent and 35 per cent respectively.

Mr Caldicott said his client had no criminal history and urged the court to consider imposing a home detention or suspended sentence.

James Slocombe, prosecuting, said he did not know if Cooper’s family accepted Liddell’s apology.

He said the only appropriate penalty for the “senseless” crime was an immediate term of imprisonment

“Liddell had no business riding a jetski into the vulnerable, inflatable paddle boat kayak manned by the two boys on the river,” he said.

“The boys were caught unawares and (Cooper) suffered a direct hit from that jetski.

“The collision scene can be only described as horrific. The passing of (Cooper) was witnessed by his family. The trauma that they endured at the scene and in the aftermath can’t be understated.”

Cooper’s family provided victim impact statements to the court but asked that they not be read in the open hearing.

Previously, Cooper’s family said he lived life to the fullest and enjoyed online gaming and riding motorbikes.

“Cooper 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,” his mum, Renee Henke, previously told The Advertiser.

Cooper’s father had said his family now had “a huge hole in our hearts where our beautiful son’s soul is missing.” He said his son brought “so much love, light and laughter into our lives”.

Liddell returns to court next month.