A man charged with riding a jet ski that hit and killed a teenager on the Murray River in December has given a tearful apology in a South Australian court.
Cooper Henke, 14, of Roxby Downs, was in the water at Murbko, near Blanchetown, on December 16, about 2:20pm when he was hit.
He was pulled unconscious from the water and died at the scene in front of his horrified family.
Another boy suffered minor injuries.
A visibly shaking Daniel Patrick Liddell offered a full apology to the families of his victims in the District Court on Wednesday.
He had already pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in February.
"There is little I can say; nothing I can do to take back what I've done," Liddell said.
"I wish I could take back that day and I wish I could exchange my life for his.
"No family should ever have to endure the pain that I've caused.
"I deserve to be punished and I will never forgive myself for what I've done; I'm sincerely sorry."
Drug and alcohol use before crash
Liddell's lawyer, James Caldicott, said his client had problems with alcohol and then methamphetamine after his father died in 2008.
In more recent times, he had used drugs recreationally and had spoken to his doctor about going into drug treatment programs.
Mr Caldicott said his client had been on a heavy night of drinking with friends the night before the accident, then had more to drink the next morning, as well as 'two puffs' on a methamphetamine pipe to moderate his hangover.
He had asked the owner of the jet ski if he could have a go, was shown how to operate it and went on to complete a number of turns or "doughnuts" on the jet ski.
He said the 44-year-old was unsure what happened in a 'split second' when he hit Cooper, but conceded it was reckless behaviour.
He had a blood alcohol reading of 0.08 at the time of the accident, which is over the legal limit.
Mr Caldicott pleaded for leniency through home detention or a suspended sentence given Liddell had remained at the scene, pleaded guilty and was of good character.
"Mr Liddell seeks an opportunity to remain in the community, to remain a productive member of that community and to be a supportive parent to his own daughter," Mr Caldicott said.
"He is not a bad person, but someone who made an incredibly poor decision that resulted in terrible consequences."
Mr Caldicott said a doctor's report showed that Liddell now had an acute stress disorder and had been prescribed anti-depressants.
Prosecutor calls for jail sentence
Prosecutor James Slocombe said he did not know if Cooper's family would accept Riddell's apology.
"A custodial sentence is required — we say this irrespective of the defendant's lack of prior history."
Liddell is eligible for a 25 per cent reduction in his penalty for pleading guilty.
He will be sentenced next month.
