Owen Diesel Cochrane pleads guilty to dangerous driving charges

A teenager, whose desperate family tried to get him mental health help, aimed his car at another man before crashing into a vehicle has cried as he read the effect of his actions on his victim.

Owen Diesel Cochrane, 18, pleaded guilty to one charge of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and one charge of failing to stop at the scene of a crash and provide particulars.

A young man who deliberately aimed his car at another man before hitting the man’s car has faced a Sunshine Coast court following the dramatic incident.

Owen Diesel Cochrane, 19, pleaded guilty today in the Caloundra Magistrates Court to one charge of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and one charge of failing to stop at the scene of a crash and provide particulars.

The court heard that on September 6, in Little Mountain, Cochrane, who was 18 years old at the time, crashed his car into another man’s vehicle, narrowly missing the man who was standing outside.

Police prosecutor Stu Lydford said the victim was “very close” to being struck.

“It was very fortunate that the victim wasn’t struck by the defendant’s vehicle,” Sergeant Lydford said.

The court was told the victim suffered psychological impacts and faced ongoing costs due to the loss of his work vehicle.

More than $5000 of damage was inflicted on the man’s Toyota, with insurance covering the majority of the costs, except for more than $1000 needed to repair signage damage.

The court was also told the victim and his family endured “emotional suffering,” including the victim’s wife, who had been present at all prior hearings, as well as Tuesday’s sentencing.

Cochrane’s solicitor explained that he was experiencing significant mental health challenges, which had spiralled out of control at the time of the incident.

The solicitor said the family had sought support from mental health services leading up to the incident.

The court heard that Cochrane suffers from schizoaffective disorder, suicidal tendencies and paranoia including auditory hallucinations.

Following the incident, Cochrane was hospitalised and placed under a treatment authority under the Mental Health Act.

Cochrane’s solicitor said that after receiving treatment, he now has clarity about his actions and expressed “deep remorse”.

“He understands that his actions could have killed the victim,” she said.

“I saw this young man a month ago, and I can say he presents today in a far better mental health capacity than he did a month ago.

“A month ago, his medication was still being adjusted, and he’s made leaps and bounds in that time.”

She said Cochrane was “reduced to tears” after reading the victim impact statement.

Magistrate Catherine Benson called Cochrane’s actions “deliberate”.

“The behaviour on this day was very, very troubling,” Ms Benson said.

“I have to say … you are fortunate that you weren’t charged with something even more serious.

“You are also fortunate that the consequences weren’t more serious. You could have very badly hurt this man; you could even have killed him.”

Ms Benson noted it was a positive sign that Cochrane was seeking treatment and was medicated.

“You’re a young man, you’ve made a horrible mistake and you are taking steps to address things to ensure that it doesn’t happen again,” she said.

Cochrane was ordered to complete 80 hours of community service over 12 months.

He was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Additionally, he was ordered to pay $1056 in restitution to the victim.

No conviction was recorded.