Ala Shirley May McCosker faces Bowen court for Bruce Highway car crash, drugs offences

An aspiring lawyer has faced court after causing a car crash on the Bruce Highway then fleeing the scene.

A Bowen woman who deliberately drove into oncoming traffic on one of Queensland’s busiest highways has lost her licence for six months and been ordered to undergo psychiatric assessment.

Ala Shirley May McCosker, 23, was a passenger in a friend’s Holden Jackaroo travelling on the Bruce Highway on February 1 when she grabbed the steering wheel in an attempt to cause a collision with an oncoming truck.

Bowen Magistrates Court heard the car did not collide with the semi-trailer but crossed over the right lane, ran off the road into a tree, and rolled onto its side.

The court heard McCosker “fled” into the bush, leaving the female driver at the scene with minor injuries.

A search and rescue operation found McCosker several hours later travelling back to Bowen in another car.

A Holden Jackaroo suffered extensive damage in a crash on the Bruce Highway about 11.30am on February 1. Picture: Supplied

During a hospital examination at a later date, she admitted to police she had “heaps of illegal shit” in her bag, and a search confirmed she was carrying 1.5 grams of marijuana and a number of drug utensils.

She pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, as well as possessing dangerous drugs and possessing utensils or pipes for use.

Defence lawyer Amanda Zugno told the court drugs and mental health issues were “a significant catalyst” in the offending.

Ms Zugno said her client had since written the driver an apology letter and hoped to put the incident behind her and work towards her life goal of becoming a lawyer.

“She’s very excited to study that industry,” Ms Zugno said.

McCosker fled the scene on foot after the crash. Picture: Supplied

McCosker told the court she had struggled with her mental health after a traumatic childhood.

She confirmed she had apologised to the friend who was driving but felt too guilty to see her again.

“She wanted to be my friend but I want to keep a distance,” she said.

“I don’t understand how she can just talk to me like nothing happened.”

The court heard drug use contributed to the offending. Picture: Instagram

Magistrate James Morton said it was a “very, very silly thing to do” and it was only through luck nobody ended up in a wheelchair for life or as “another cross on the side of the road”.

“This is a deliberate act to cause injury or death ... on the busiest highway in Australia,” he said.

“Nothing good could come from this.”

In sentencing, Mr Morton acknowledged McCosker was “screaming out for some assistance”.

He ordered she complete 12 months’ probation including counselling, psychiatric assessment, and drug testing.

He also disqualified her driver’s licence for six months and ordered the forfeiture of the drugs and utensils.

No convictions were recorded.