Verdict expected this week after Australian man pleads guilty over Phuket jet ski tragedy

A THAI court is expected to hand down a verdict “within days” on an Australian man facing charges over a jet ski crash that killed his girlfriend.

Thomas Keating (centre) leaves a Thai police station after the death of his girlfriend. Picture: Cindy Wokner

A THAI court is expected to hand down a verdict “within days” on an Australian man facing reckless driving charges from a jet ski collision near Phuket that led to the death of his girlfriend.

Thomas Keating, 22, appeared before a Phuket provincial court on Friday to acknowledge the charges arising from the February 5 crash that resulted in the death of 20-year-old Emily Collie.

Keating and Ms Collie, both from Victoria, were riding jet skis near Kata Beach when they collided at high speed.

She suffered severe neck and shoulder injuries and was later pronounced dead in hospital.

Thomas Keating outside the Karon Provincial police station in Phuket clutching the hands of his mother and of Emily Collie’s mother Sally on the right. Picture: Supplied

Phuket Karon district police officer, Major Patiwat Yodkwam, told Phuket News on Monday that the court verdict was expected later in the week.

“It will still take a further four to five days for the court to reach a decision in this case against Mr Keating as judges still have to examine all the documents and evidence relating to the case,” he told local reporters.

Earlier this month, Keating pleaded guilty to the charges and in a public statement claimed full responsibility for Ms Collie’s death.

“First and foremost I would like to express my unbearable sorrow at the loss of my soulmate Emily, who I loved more than anything in this world, as well as my never-ending apologies and condolences to Ian and Sally Collie and the rest of their family,” Keating said in the statement.

Thomas Keating and Emily Collie in happier times. Picture: AAP Image/Facebook

He continued: “They have my heartfelt gratitude for the love and support they have shown me while they are coping with the most devastating loss imaginable. I respect the country of Thailand and the Thai people. This was a tragic accident. However, I take responsibility for what happened. And I have decided that the best thing is to accept a charge of careless driving leading to death. Ian and Sally, I am so sorry.”

Mr Keating thanked DFAT, in particular Donna Bengtson and Khun Bee, from the Embassy and Consulate, for their tireless help.

“They have been very helpful throughout this ordeal and I could not thank them enough.”

He ended the statement by saying: “With great sorrow, gratitude and love for Emily and her family.”

Emily Collie died in a tragic jet ski collision in Thailand. Picture: Facebook

Keating and Ms Collie were on the last day of their Phuket holiday and had never ridden jet skis before the tragic collision.

Police on the holiday island say that Keating has “confessed” to the incident and been charged with careless driving causing death.

Police said an autopsy had confirmed that Ms Collie had drowned.

Emily Collie’s mother Sally Collie (centre) attends her daughter’s funeral in Kyabram. Picture: Ian Currie