Mutdapilly race car driver Ryan John Cochran faces Ipswich Court for possessing 11g of cocaine

A race car driver was busted with 11g of cocaine after being introduced to the drug by industry associates, an Ipswich court has heard.

Ryan Cochran leaves Ipswich Court on July 11. Picture: Nicola McNamara

A southeast Queensland court has heard how a race car driver started using cocaine after being introduced to the drug by industry associates.

Mutdapilly resident Ryan John Cochran, 33, pleaded guilty on July 11 to possessing schedule one dangerous drugs of a quantity exceeding schedule three (but less than schedule four) and possessing anything for use in the commission of a crime.

The Ipswich Magistrates’ Court heard police had raided Mr Cochran’s home on December 7 last year.

They found just under 12g of cocaine, along with a clip seal bag and digital scales.

Magistrate Dennis Kinsella noted the drugs were allegedly for personal use.

Defence lawyer Michael Kelly said his client had since taken steps to rehabilitate and had stopped using the drug.

“The delving into cocaine use really stemmed back to his significant involvement in the motor racing industry and certain persons in that,” Mr Kelly said.

Mr Kelly said his client did not associate with those particular individuals any more.

But he said Mr Cochran was still involved in a lower-grade racing team and travelled to eight supercar meets each year.

Mr Kelly said his client’s main focus now was his farm at Mutdapilly, along with his wife and child.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Nick Turnbull said Mr Cochran had a limited and unrelated criminal history.

This was Mr Cochran’s first time before the courts for drug offending, he said.

Mr Kinsella said he “wanted to make it abundantly clear” to Mr Cochran that “there are authorities that do support the proposition that he goes to jail”.

“He needs to understand how serious this is,” he siad.

He accepted Mr Cochran’s involvement in the racing industry was “really part of the explanation for why (he was in court) today”.

He also acknowledged Mr Cochran had a strong support network and had made efforts towards rehabilitation.

Mr Cochran was sentenced to two years’ probation.

No convictions were recorded.